SINGAPORE, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean on Saturday officially lit up decorative lanterns in the country's Chinatown, which kicked off month-long celebrations for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival.
This year's celebration is the first time that the streets of Chinatown were lighted up with LED light lanterns, which makes the Street Light-Up more environmentally-friendly, according to the organizer Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens' Consultative Committee (KA-KS CCC).
About 900 lanterns have been fitted with LED lights, and this can help to reduce the total amount of electricity used by up to 70 percent. The LED lights, which also shine brighter, can enhance the overall visual effect of the street decorations that themed on "A Sparkling Mid-Autumn Festival @ Chinatown."
This year's dazzling lantern display tells the origin and history of Mid-Autumn Festival. Faculty and students of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) designed various lanterns featuring the legendary story of Chang'e and Houyi.
Lily Neo, grassroots adviser of KA-KS CCC and also member of the Parliament, said this year's celebration places emphasis on rediscovering the origins and history of Mid-Autumn Festival, which today's generation, especially the younger audience, may have forgotten or lost touch with.
"From the Street Light-Up to various activities, we are delighted to be able to use this platform to meaningfully engage Singaporeans and tourists alike in the festivities and nurture an appreciation of Chinese cultural heritage," said Neo.
The public can enjoy the beauty of these specially designed lanterns until Sept. 30 this year. Visitors can also participate in series of programs and activities such as Heritage Walking Trail, Mass Lantern Walk, as well as Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival Learning Journey, which is firstly initiated for students.
