This costumed character prepares for the finale. Welcome to 4699, the Year of the Snake. The Chinese calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, and each year is assigned to one of the twelve animals in the Asian zodiac. Lunar New Year begins on January 24 this year. Celebrations usually last 15 days.
Families visit with relatives, and there are plenty of fireworks, street fairs and parades.
The grandest street procession in Singapore is getting ready to roll. It's the Chingay Singapore , an event that has grown over the years from a small neighborhood procession into a huge, three-day festival. This costumed character, and the others, were created by Clary Salandy of Mahogany Arts , London. The first Chingay Singapore parade was held in 1973. Jugglers, lion and dragon dancers and brightly colored floats entertained the crowds.