Celebrating the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day with Culture and Romance

CapitaMalls are pulling out all the stops for shoppers this February. With Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day in the same week, there is much to celebrate this month. From shopping rewards and lucky draws to performances by foreign troupes, shoppers will have plenty of reasons to celebrate at CapitaMalls, and learn a thing or two about Chinese arts and culture to boot.

Pick up Chinese Arts and Culture

The Star Vista’s “Spring of Prosperity” celebrations centre on spectacular performing arts. A must-see is the “face-changing” or bian lian (变脸) performances that are part of its Springtime Performances. This ancient Chinese dramatic art has performers decked out in vividly coloured costumes and masks depicting different characters from the opera. As they move to fast-tempo music, they change their masks with a quick flick of the fan, sudden nod of the head or deft wave of the hand. Until the mid-2000s, these performances were hardly ever seen outside China because non-Chinese were not allowed to learn the art form. So, this is a rare chance to catch a centuries-old aspect of Chinese performing arts.

Chinese acrobats and contortionists have also been invited to give Singaporeans a glimpse of Chinese variety art that has been around since the Qin Dynasty (227-201 BC). Their incredible sense of balance and timing and their ability to twist their bodies into mind-boggling positions will surely captivate. In the line-up are graceful dancers as well, all set to wow with their skills.

At Raffles City Singapore, you can celebrate “Spring in the City” with songs and dances by famous troupes from China that have gained international acclaim. The prestigious Fuzhou Theatre, a bastion of Fuzhou culture and tradition, will perform a medley of popular songs and dances. It is a chance of a lifetime to catch this world renowned performing group.

For something more traditional, there will be Fujian performances by the Fujian Song and Dance Troupe. The troupe has performed in the United States, Australia, Europe, Latin America, South Africa, Mauritius and various parts of Asia.

Another well-travelled troupe is the one from Hangzhou Institute of Opera and Dance Drama, which will also be performing at the mall. In the last 53 years, it has won nearly 700 prizes in competition throughout China. They have also performed throughout the world.

Fan the Flames of Romance

For Valentine’s Day, The Star Vista and Clarke Quay have a perfect platform for a romantic, novel way of watching movies all planned for you. Couples can look forward to unforgettable romantic movie screenings at Clarke Quay’s Read Bridge from 7pm to 11pm between 15 and 17 February. Beneath a canopy of stars, movie-goers will be treated to free flow of popcorn. The first 100 per session will receive exclusive goodie bags as well. In addition, there will be food and beverage kiosks along the bridge to ensure there is no shortage of snacks and drinks. Each pair of tickets comes free for those who spend S$50 or more in a single receipt at Clarke Quay.

Over at The Star Vista, catch romantic favourites such as What Women Want and Moulin Rouge . The screenings are taking place from 15 to 17 February at 7pm at The Star Plaza, Basement 1. No minimum spending is required. The first 14 couples at each screening will receive a picnic basket of goodies. Seatings are on a first-come-first-served basis.

Apart from movies under the stars, The Star Vista has another treat for all lovers. 28 couples stand to win dining vouchers worth S$60 each. Simply upload the wackiest pictures of yourself and your partner onto the mall’s Facebook page from 1 to 17 Feb in the “You and Me” Photo Contest to qualify.

This February, CapitaMalls are the place to be for families and couples alike. Come on down for Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day celebrations with your loved ones and enjoy a joyous and prosperous year of the snake ahead!