Chinatown Mid-Autumn festival returns this year with the theme of “A Sparkling Mid-Autumn Festival @ Chinatown” (星光闪耀牛车水, 月满中秋庆团圆); a bigger and brighter scale of festive celebrations located in the heart of Chinatown that allows local and overseas visitors to rediscover the origins and history of Mid-Autumn in Singapore.
This also marks the very first time that the streets of Chinatown will be lit up with the environmentally-friendly LED light lanterns in the month of September. Stretching from Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road to South Bridge Road, visitors will be able to admire the impressive lantern display that brings the traditional folklore to life.
Hence, the lantern displays depict scenes of Hou Yi shooting down the nine suns but one, Chang’e ascending to the moon and the Jade Rabbit pounding the elixir of life using a pestle as it accompanies Chang’e at the Moon Palace, and also a 12-metre tall Chang’e sculptured lantern as the centerpiece of Chinatown.
Without further ado, let’s check out the 9 event highlights of Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival for you and your family to enjoy a meaningful and sparkling mid-autumn celebration in the month of September in Chinatown, Singapore.
1. Official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony
The official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony of Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival 2016 will be held on 3rd September 2016, Saturday from 7pm to 10pm; located at the New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street. During the Opening Ceremony, be awed by the lighting and visual effects, combined with spectacular live performances including acrobatic acts and dances by talented performers from Singapore and China.
2. Street Light-Up
Following the Official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony, the annual Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival’s Street Light-Up will decorate the precinct for a month. This year, visitors will be captivated by the dazzling LED light lantern displays telling the origins and history of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
3. Festival Bazaar
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinatown will also be buzzing with a plethora of stalls lining the streets, and selling a wide variety of festive goodies including traditional and modern mooncakes, decorative ornaments, preserved fruits, potted plants, clothing and more. This event will be held from 2nd to 15th September 2016, from 10.30am to 10.30pm.
4. Nightly Stage Shows
The Nightly Stage Shows that showcase by our local entertainers will be held at Kreta Ayer Square from 3rd to 15th September 2016, 8pm to 10.30pm. During the Mid-Autumn Festival period, visitors can look out for an exciting line-up of Chinese cultural performances, festive songs, and music and dance performances to bring in the celebratory mood of the festival.
5. Celebrating the Moon at Chinatown Heritage Centre
Presented by KA-KS CCC and Chinatown Heritage Centre, “Celebrating the Moon @ Chinatown Heritage Centre <<喜庆圆月, 情牵原貌>>”is a series of Mid-Autumn festivities highlighting traditional stories, customs, childhood joys and memories related to the festival. It brings back traditions with a twist with interactive activities such as guessing lantern riddles in English and Chinese, a photo booth with Mid-Autumn themed photo props and greetings, including handcrafted lanterns from this year’s Street Light-Up, and old-school games like Tikam Tikam with festive goodies and retro prizes to be won.
Visitors can also pen their festive wishes at the Chinatown Heritage Centre. There will also be tea appreciation workshops on 17 & 18 September for the public to take part in.
6. Heritage Walking Trail
Stroll down the four main streets of Chinatown – Kreta Ayer Road, Sago Street, Pagoda Street and New Bridge Road – on this special guided tour and experience for yourself the liveliness of Singapore’s best-kept Chinese enclave.
Take in the sights and sounds of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown while learning about its rich heritage and culture. Complimentary for all, the Heritage Walking Trail is conducted in English and limited to 10 participants per session. Pre-registration is required at www.chinatownfestivals.sg, and slots are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis.
7. Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival Learning Journey
On 10 September 2016, Saturday from 11.30am to 2pm, Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens’ Consultative Committee will be organizing the first-ever Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival Learning Journey for primary and secondary school students from local and international schools in Singapore. About 200 students are expected to join the learning journey.
During this special tour, they will learn about Chinatown’s rich heritage and culture as well as the origins and story of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The students will also make a stop at the Chinatown Heritage Centre to visit its galleries that depict scenes of Chinatown in its early days as well as enjoy the series of Mid-Autumn festivities taking place there. They will also get to savour food specially arranged by Chinatown Food Street.
8. Lantern Painting Competition
Lantern Painting Competition was held on 28 August 2016. 430 children and students aged below 16 from Singapore had hand-painted their most creative lantern for the Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival 2016. Likewise, from today till 15 September, visitors may have a look at the selected lanterns displayed along Pagoda Street.
9. Mass Lantern Walk
Soak in the festive mood of the Mid-Autumn Festival at the annual Mass Lantern Walk on 11 September 2016, Sunday from 7pm to 10pm in Chinatown. Participants will be able to explore the lantern displays around Chinatown while being entertained by live performances along the way, featuring local dragon dance troupes, dancers and artistes.
We hope that you will have an enjoyable and memorable Mid-Autumn Festival celebration with your family and friends at Chinatown this year. Stay tuned for more photos on my Facebook Page and Instagram.