338 goat-shaped lanterns light up Singapore's Chinatown

A total of 338 goat-shaped lanterns were lit up on Saturday along the streets of Singapore's Chinatown to initiate the Chinese New Year celebration and also commemorate Singapore's 50th anniversary of independence (SG50).

Themed "Abundance of Joy & Prosperity," this year's street light-up features 338 goat-shaped lanterns and 1,500 gold coin lanterns, complete with new elements that enhances the visual display. This is also the first time that a motorized lantern display is incorporated into the design.

Inspired by the Chinese well-wishing of "prosperity from the first day of the new year," and "three goats bringing bliss," the centerpiece of the street light-up sees three majestic goats perched atop a cliff in the heart of Chinatown, leading the herd of 335 goats grazing along the center divider.

And bat, which is pronounced the same as Fu (blessing) in Chinese, was also featured in the design of the coin lantern. These coin lanterns are put up in a staggered formation, mimicking the flow and movement of goats moving forward as a herd and illuminating the precinct in different layers.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong graced the ceremony as the Guest-Of-Honour to kick start the festivities, with a specially-choreographed SG50 shadow dance opened the memory of Singaporeans as dancers combine movement and the projection of shadows to depict Singapore's development over the past five decades.

"This year's Chinese New Year celebrations are even more significant with Singapore marking its 50th birthday," Lily Neo, member of parliament for Tanjong Pagar said. "As we welcome the various ethnic groups as well as tourists to join us in ushering in the Year of the Goat, we wish Singapore and all residents harmony, peace and prosperity in the new year."

She also said this year, organizers also set up the first public adoption drive for the street lanterns, which allows the public to adopt the goats lantern after the light-up concludes on March 19. Through the adoption drive, the committee hopes to contribute to the recycling movement and let visitors take back a commemorative piece of the Chinatown Chinese New Year decorations.