The above photo of the fireworks display at the River Hongbao 2017 at Marina Bay was taken by my Facebook friend FreeMan Loke. It was captured at the precise moments to show the beauty of the Marina Bay, the colorful and bright fireworks and the background of the Singapore waterfront. With thanks to Freeman to share this photo on the blog.
After the traditional reunion dinner with the family on 27 January, 2017, I made the annual “pilgrimage” trip to the River Hongbao 2017 at Marina Bay.
From the spot towards Esplanade Bridge where this photo was taken, there was little sign of the “fairy land” from a short walking distance away, a place where the kids would find enjoyment, excitement and fun, a place for them to build their memories many years later when they are grown up.
Most people look at different perspectives through their eyes of the mind at different times. I have the tendency to reflect the memories of the past with juxtaposed photos of a similar occasion or events.
Is it true that the River Hongbao iconic events every year is all the same. Seen once, seen all?
Personally, I do not agree. Every year’s festival is different just as the 12 zodiac animals is different each year as the themes for the decorations, the designs and the layout of the venue.
The blog posted for River Hongbao 2014 here and River Hongbao 2015 here . I missed the River Hongbao 2016 because I was in Taiwan.
The above photos of my 8-year-old son, Wei and I visited the River Hongbao 1992 at the Singapore River. The present location for the River Hongbao at The Float @ Marina Bay was built in 2007. I submitted my blog to the Singapore Memory portal here .
The wedding photo of Wei in 2015 with his wife, Jessie (standing). His sister, brother-in-law and his niece. (seated).
The former venue of the River Hongbao festivities at the Singapore River before 2007.
Archived photos with the courtesy of The Singapore Press Holdings (SPH).
River Hongbao 2017 @ Marina Bay
Usher in the Year of the Rooster and celebrate the arrival of spring at River Hongbao (RHB) 2017 from 26 Jan to 4 Feb at Singapore’s iconic floating platform. Organized by Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, Singapore Press Holdings, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore Tourism Board and People’s Association, this annual iconic event has remained an integral part of Singapore’s Lunar New Year celebrations since 1987.
RHB 2017 has lined up 10 days of fun-filled extravaganza of lights, sights, sounds to celebrate this festivity. RHB 2017 will have modern, futuristic elements and a strong local flavor. Larger-than-life lantern displays are colourful and fun, with interesting play on the Chinese word for Rooster. With nightly fireworks and laser displays, intricate handicrafts and crowd-pleasing performances featuring local and exotic programmes from the region, be prepared to treat your senses this coming spring. Satiate your taste buds with more than 40 sumptuous varieties of local and regional delicacies served
at the largest outdoor Food Street in Singapore. A myriad of fringe activities, ranging from amusement rides to carnival games to Main Stage performances, will ensure that there’s never a dull moment at River Hongbao! River Hongbao is open to public and admission is free. [Source: http://www.riverhongbao.sg/intro.html]
With thanks to my blogger sister, Lina Koh, to send me additional photos taken by her at the River Hongbao 2017 at Marina Bay to share them on the blog. Thank you, Sista!
雄鸡鸣春 生机勃勃
“Looking to the Future”
The Main Set-piece for the Year of the Rooster is based on the theme “雄鸡鸣春，生机勃勃“ which welcomes the new Spring with lots of energy and looks forward to great opportunities.
祥鸡献瑞
Abundance and Happiness
On the seating gallery is a grand lantern display featuring a huge mother hen laying golden eggs thus bringing good fortune to an auspicious new year.
春到河畔2017 机会难逢
Welcome to River Hongbao
财神爷灯组
God of Fortune Lantern
桥头拱门
Gateway Arch for Centre Link Bridge
湿地迎春, 万象更新
In Harmony with Our Environment
年年有余
Abundance for All
闻鸡起舞
The Virtues of Diligence and Learning
爱的祝愿
A Message of Love, Care and Concern
十二生肖灯组
12 Zodiac
Exhibition Display Panels
“The More We Get Together: Festivals and Festivities in Singapore”
Chinese New Year is an important festival in the Lunar calendar, and is celebrated by Chinese communities all over the world including Singapore. In multi-racial and multi-religious Singapore, festivities observed by fellow communities such as our Muslim friends’ Hari Raya Puasa, our Hindu friends’ Deepavali and our Christian friends’ Christmas are similarly honoured and celebrated.
As a tribute to our multi-cultural heritage, River Hongbao 2017 will showcase “The More We Get Together: Festivals and Festivities in Singapore”. The exhibition of specially curated themes and photographs will feature unique festive preparations, traditional customs and special goodies related to the festivities. Despite coming from different origins, the cultures have intermingled and taken on a uniquely Singaporean identity and shared endearing commonalities.
The exhibition, jointly curated by Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, and students from Chung Cheng High School (Main) and River Valley High School, will enable visitors to better understand how the fabric of Singapore’s multicultural society is strengthened through the co-celebration of these major festivals.
《当我们同在一起欢庆——新加坡的各大传统节日》
农历新年是华人最重要的传统节日，世界各地举凡有华人的地方，无不热烈庆祝这个节日，在新加坡也不例外。而在我们这个多元种族、多元宗教的国 家，也同样重视其他友族同胞的传统节日，包括回教徒的开斋节、兴都教徒的屠妖节，以及基督教徒的圣诞节等等。
春到河畔2017 的《当我们一同欢庆——新加坡的各大传统节日》 展览，展现了新加坡各族群如何欢庆这些节日，包括独具特色的节日准备工作、传统习 俗和应节美食等等。通过展览，亦能够了解到这些节日虽源自不同的文化，但也因为受到友族文化的相互影响，在欢庆的时候融入共通的元素，而衍生出
独具本地特色的庆祝方式。
此展由晚晴园－孙中山南洋纪念馆，以及立化中学和中正中学（总校）的学生一同策展，通过精心筛选的照片和资料，让访客见证新加坡的不同族群，如 何透过本地各主要节庆活动，不分你我、同欢共庆，借此加深对彼此的认识，从而增进情感联系，形成一道多元、包容、和谐、共荣的美丽风景。
The “Fairy Land” of Games and Kiddie Rides for Fun and Enjoyment
Year of the Rooster Balloons
I wish to be a child again and bring home one of these rooster ballons to play with 🙂
Thought Moments 