Lunar New Year Celebrations in Singapore: Customs, Festivities, and Family Gatherings

The majority of Chinese Singaporeans celebrate the Lunar New Year, which traditionally starts between the winter solstice and the first day of spring, falling between January 21 and February 20. This year, the Lunar New Year in Singapore will commence on Sunday, January 22, 2023.

Singapore throws a grand celebration each year to usher in the Chinese New Year. Experience the vibrant city as it comes alive with festive tunes, family reunions, lively parades, and traditional lion dances. Discover what to see and where to dine in this complete guide for your Chinese New Year festivities!

The Myths and Traditions Surrounding Lunar New Year in Singapore

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Lunar New Year 2023 is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with family and indulge in delectable treats. It’s also intriguing to explore the legends, traditions, and etiquette associated with the Chinese New Year. To help you embrace these customs, we’ll discuss the Lunar New Year festivities in Singapore.

The Tale

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The legend of Nian, a mythical creature that once plagued villages by consuming crops, livestock, and even children, serves as the basis for this festival. However, villagers soon realized Nian's weaknesses after discovering it was part bull and part lion.

These weaknesses included the color red, fire, and loud noises. With this knowledge, the villagers ultimately defeated Nian. This is why red clothing, firework displays, and lion dances are integral to the New Year celebrations.

The Significance of Red

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Red undoubtedly reigns as the color of the season. The Lunar New Year festivities in Singapore are often marked by a vibrant display of red. This tradition stems from the belief that donning red attire brings good fortune and success. Hence, wearing red during the Lunar New Year celebrations is highly encouraged, even for visitors.

Lion Dances and Celebrations

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Even with the ban on firecrackers, lion dances can be seen throughout Singapore. These skilled performers, dressed in vibrant red and gold outfits and adorned with lion heads, dance to the beat of traditional drums.

The ceremonial Singapore Chinese New Year 2023 celebrations will kick off on January 22. Attendees can look forward to a delightful visual and auditory experience. Strolling along Orchard Road, you'll hear the sounds of gongs and joyous cheers intermittently. Vendors offering a diverse range of treats and traditional goods are sure to enchant you.

Gathering with Friends and Family

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Reunion dinners are a cherished way to celebrate special moments together. Thus, on New Year's Eve, these gatherings are traditionally held. While steamboat dishes take center stage, appetizers like oranges, pineapple pastries, and more are equally delightful.

The best part of this custom is that you can enjoy delicious meals without having to cook for yourself. The most renowned restaurants in Singapore also offer special holiday menus.

Lunar New Year Offerings at Singapore’s Most Iconic Restaurants

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It's time to usher in Lunar New Year 2023 with a grand feast to fill your fortune for the year ahead. Indulge in everything from exquisite yusheng creations to lavish versions of pen cai brimming with auspicious ingredients.

1. Man Fu Yuan

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The Abundance Treasures Pot, filled with 18 premium ingredients such as six-head abalones, fully dried scallops, and lobsters, serves as the highlight. Additionally, the Chinese New Year feast concludes on a sweet note with the return of the beloved chilled pink guava, pomelo, and aloe vera.

2. Jiang-Nan Chun

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Let’s kick off the new year with an exquisite eight-course feast featuring the restaurant's signature dishes from its charming Cantonese menu. The Yu Sheng meal begins with a seafood delight, offering dishes like lobster, surf oysters, salmon, and abalone.

The highlight of the meal is undoubtedly the braised three-head abalone paired with succulent pig belly. We suggest enjoying it with a side of rice to ensure not a drop of that exquisite sauce goes to waste.

3. Min Jiang

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When considering Chinese New Year cuisine, Min Jiang is undoubtedly one of the first names that comes to mind. Their Eight Prosperity meals are perfect for large gatherings and feature crowd favorites like the renowned Silver Hill Irish duck alongside a variety of treasure pots filled with the best offerings from land and sea. Additionally, for those who enjoy it, braised pork knuckle makes a savory new addition to the marine treasure pot.

The Lunar New Year in Singapore is best enjoyed in the company of friends and family. So, take full advantage of the festivities in Chinatown and dine at the city’s top restaurant. And don’t forget to download Mytour, your all-in-one lifestyle app for more information!