The Day off for Lunar New Year’s Day is widely celebrated in Singapore. It is also popularly known as the Spring Festival and is one of the most significant holidays that mark the beginning of the new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. This holiday typically takes place between January 21 and February 20, with the exact date varying from year to year. Every corner of Singapore turns festive with lavish decorations, dragon dances, and vibrant parades.
During this holiday, Singaporeans honor the age-old traditions tied to the Lunar New Year. These traditions include family reunions, feasts, and the exchange of gifts, particularly in the form of red envelopes (known as 'hongbao') filled with money, symbolising luck and prosperity. Many shops and restaurants are decorated with red lanterns and auspicious symbols, and families gather to have large meals together, often including specific foods like dumplings, noodles, and tangerines to bring good fortune.
Despite its Chinese origins, the holiday transcends ethnic boundaries and has grown to become an important celebration in multi-cultural Singapore. The government of Singapore declares the day as a public holiday, giving everyone the day off to join in the celebrations. Various cultural performances and events usually take place in different parts of the city during this period, offering locals and tourists ample opportunities to partake in the festive spirit and learn more about this traditional Chinese festival.