The Singapore River HongBao is an annual event held at the Esplanade Park to usher in the Lunar New Year. There are plenty of going-ons including live performances by both local and international artists. With food, fireworks and folklore, the Singapore River HongBao always is a night to remember.


Now for a little history....


HongBao is a Chinese word which directly translates to "red packet", which in the Chinese tradition, is given by the older people to the younger and single relatives. This is done to reward the younger ones for showing due respect to their elders. Inside, the hongbao contains money, usually in the form of notes.

The main objective of the event is to promote family togetherness. Hence, the activites cater to all age groups, from young to old and the young at heart.

Back to the event itself....


In 2007, the event welcomed the year of the pig with a bang! There were plenty of stalls set up, performances held and ceremonies, consisting of fireworks which dazzled everyone present. The performances consisted of a song and dance troupe from Tibet, an acrobat troupe from Taipei and a 32-member team of artistes from the Lhasa Municipal Ethnic Art Troupe to introduce Tibetan songs for the first time.

Other activities that captured the Chinese tradition includes calligraphy and Chinese riddles. There was even a cooking demostration for everyone to have the opportunity to learn and smaple all kinds of food from the different dialects. Some exmaples are Hokkien, Cantonese, Hainanese and Teochew just to name a few.

The activites truly brought out the Chinese tradition, capturing the heart of the celebration and attracted many locals to attend the event. The turnout was great and everyone had a blast.