It's the official light up today to welcome the upcoming lunar year of the pig but knowing how terribly crowded Chinatown would be; i purposely took afternoon leave last Friday and made my way down for some photo-taking!
As documented in quite a number of blog posts, the best place (that's also open to the public) to take top-down photographs of the centrepiece for the festive decorations in Chinatown would be level six of the People's Park Centre (opposite Chinatown Point). Click here!
Here it is - the family of eight that took over the iconic centrepiece in between New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street this year! As it's the zodiac of the pig, be prepared for the display of everything that's piggy!
I am a bit confused over the height of the struture; sources mentioned either 9.6 meters or 12 meters. Nevertheless, the two humongous hogs would draw attention from those walking or driving past.
Another 180 small, little pigs were placed along the 600-meter passage separating New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street. It's too far from this angle; hence, we should proceed to the ground floor for more photos!
Centrepiece from different angles! Designed by 11 students from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and handmade by 42 craftsmen from China, feedback for the pig lanterns this year has been rather negative..
To be frank, even i commented that the pigs appeared 'dirty' and not quite adorable when i first saw the photos on the web. Thankfully, the negative reviews provided an opportunity for clarification which i thought is essential given that many people, keyboard warriors inclusive, are just laymen.
You need wires to shape the pigs and we have to admit they look rather fit for slaughter. With their purpose as lanterns, you would also require the shade for the pigs to turn pink at night. If they are already showing a light pink in daylight, they would literally turn white when lighted up!
Pretty legit reasons although we could only confirm at night. I thought i would have to come back another day to take photos in the evening but my dad decided to join me after his work and being the filial son; i waited for him at Chinatown.
The 180 little pigs along the 600-meter, non-accessible passage; honestly, they are cute (one has a graduation cap on its head) and it's a real pity people can't, easily, take photos next to them.
Other lanterns that made up the 2,688 in Chinatown included those hung across the main roads; the simpler coin and flower kind. After the backlash from the Disney-themed Christmas decorations along Orchard Road last December, it's best to go back to the basic.
Weirdly, the festive street bazaar started on a different day from the light up ceremony and on the day of my visit last Friday, there were a number of media companies conducting interviews and taking videos for the start of bazaar.
I am always looking forward to the overhanging lanterns along the parallel South Bridge Road after the darn impressive one during the year of the snake. Sadly, it was utter disappointment that greeted me.
Dad met up with me and i brought him around the bazaar to soak in the festive atmosphere. If i recall correctly, he has not been to the Chinatown Lunar New Year bazaar for a long time and i am glad to be his company! More on the street bazaar in another post.
There are two bridges cutting across New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street and i would strongly you check out the one connected to People's Park Complex from Pagoda Street!
Aside from being way wider, it doesn't feel like an overhead bridge and for the purpose of the upcoming lunar year, you can find a number of adorable pig statues for photo-taking!
As mentioned before, dad makes a good model although he would demand the same from me. I would accommodate as i know he wouldn't upload my photos to anywhere else.
The lanterns started to light up and the illumination from the lanterns resulted in an atmosphere that's prettier and more sparkly than daytime.
For those naysayers, do pay a visit at night as the pigs actually look way better, lighted up. Yes, father and mother pig could have smiled more but with constant provocation from our neighbours up north; it might be good for us to remember to be defend ourselves in the year ahead.
On a lighter note, dad giving a thumbs-up for the piggy lanterns!
Since it's his first visit in a long time, i had to bring him up to the best place for top-down photographs of the centrepiece and also an amazing view of the modern skyline behind the historical district.
Last picture showing a closer view of the lighted up centrepiece!
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Period for the Street Light-Up
Until 06 March 2019
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