Singapore's Chinatown switched on 2,300 decorative lanterns in the heritage district on Sunday to officially kick off celebrations of the Mid-autumn Festival as well as the country's golden jubilee.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam attended the light-up and opening ceremony. Local and overseas talents showcased thematic performance with a uniquely Singaporean storyline that makes a reference to the history and traditions of the Mid-autumn Festival.
This year's celebrations also bear a strong theme of the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence, marking the nation- building journey with lanterns in 50 various types, such as the iconic Aranda Lee Kuan Yew, an orchid named after Singapore's founding father. The biggest lantern is a 12-meter Merlion lantern, the landmark of the city state.
Lily Neo, grassroots adviser of Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens' Consultative Committee (KA-KS CCC) and also member of the parliament, said the organizer planned to showcase the successful journey of Singapore, from past to the present, and how Singapore becomes a metropolis from a third-world country.
This year is the first time that the organizer have worked closely with students and faculty of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) for a creative interpretation of the street lanterns and decorations.
The KA-KS CCC has also organized an array of exciting events and activities - Chinatown 1960s Fancy Dress Contest "Mid-autumn Festival 2015 - Back to the 60s", Lantern Painting Competition, Heritage Walking Trail, Nightly Stage Shows, Mid-autumn Festival Street Bazaar and the annual Mass Lantern Walk.
The public can enjoy the beauty of these specially designed lanterns in nearly one month, starting from Sunday to Oct. 12.
