Singapore Mid-Autumn Festival 2020 Light-Up
I was really thrilled when I read about the Mid-Autumn festive light-ups happening again this year.
At the risk of sounding mawkish, it symbolises Singapore is nowhere at rock bottom, in spite of truly awful times and social restrictions. To me, it’s also a step in the return to normal life.
It’s like, festive illuminations are an integral part of our event calendar, aren’t they? As I wrote in a tourist guide, we used to have one nearly every month.
This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, several were cancelled. The most notable “casualty” being the Geylang Hari Raya light-up.
Well, what’s put up for Zhong Qiu Jie this year is smaller in scale at most places. Gone too are the crowded mooncake bazaars and creative mall decorations.
But still, various celebrations are happening. Several events to photograph and enjoy too. On these, I have to say I am grateful and glad.
Gardens by the Bay Mid-Autumn Festival 2020 Light-up
What’s put up at Gardens this year is very, very markedly smaller in scale compared to previous years. But like what I said above, there’s at least something.
From a different viewpoint, the smaller crowds and quieter displays made for a more romantic visiting experience too. Definitely more atmospheric as well.
Chinatown Mid-Autumn 2020 Illuminations
With the exception of the festive bazaar, Chinatown didn’t take too much of a “hit.” While the lanterns on show are simpler compared to 2019 and 2019, the usual display areas are all lit up and decorated.
(This year’s Chang’e was also, well, less imposing. A little on the cartoonish side, but thankfully nowhere as manly as the controversial one last year)
Just a neurotic thought. For a number of years, the main Eu Tong Sen showpiece had featured Chang’e, i.e., the Chinese moon goddess. How about her hubby Hou Yi for a change?
Wouldn’t a shirtless, masculine, arrow shooting Hou Yi be, erm, a refreshing change? Especially with him wearing SAF No. 4 slacks since it’s a Singaporean display?
…
Just kidding!
The light-up at Gardens is ongoing till Oct 4, while the ones at Chinatown will remain lit till Oct 16, 2020.
Do check out their respective official pages for details on other festive programmes.
2021 Singapore Mid-Autumn Celebrations.
Read my other Festive Celebrations posts.
