Welcoming the Year of the Pig, or Boar, or Sow, at River Hongbao 2019.
‘Right, getting straight to the point for this River Hongbao 2019 post, because I’m worn out from Chinese New Year’s Eve feasting, photo-taking, and everything else!
Headed to Marina bayside extravaganza right after reunion dinner. Like last year, one of the key highlights this time around is a parade of immense lantern dioramas, with many of these gorgeous displays also strongly Singaporean in feel as this year’s River Hongbao is part of the Bicentennial festivities.
In fact, the largest one, at a stunning 60m long, is a complete visual celebration of Singapore’s history and heritage. This diorama is so wide, even my super-wide lens couldn’t capture everything in one shot when up-close.
River Hongbao 2019: Gorgeous Lanterns and Non-Stop Cultural Performances
River Hongbao 2019 Fireworks
Another of the highlights for this year is the promise of fireworks galore.
There’s at least one performance each day. On Feb 3, 4, 9, and 10, there are also extended sessions lasting ten minutes. Schedule here.
What’s more, the extended sessions are conducted by different international companies, with the one for Chinese New Year’s Eve conceptualised by American company Pyro Spectaculars Inc.
Let me just say, Pyro Spectaculars’ show was hands-down the best fireworks I’ve ever watched live. So thrilling that I actually err, over-fiddled with my camera in excitement, and ended up only recording half of it …
(I blame the fumble on the music. They were playing movie soundtracks throughout. Raiders March. Superman ’78, Star Wars, even LET IT GO. Not very CNY, I know, but it was magnificent. Especially for a movie lover like me.)
The first half. With Raiders March and Theme from Superman 1978.
Update Feb 9, 2019
Unable to get over my boo-boo with the video recording, I returned to Marina Bay this evening for a second go.
This was a different show. Not sure which company was behind it too; I was recording from a different spot. Overall, I felt it wasn’t as thrilling as the version on the Eve. But that’s probably because I couldn’t hear the music from where I was this time.
Have a prosperous Year of the Pig 2019, everyone!
Read my other Festive Celebrations in Singapore posts.
