Chinatown's buzzing bazaar

Brilliant lantern displays, stalls selling traditional snacks and streams of excited people.

The scene, typical of the annual Festive Street Bazaar at Chinatown, is something many people like Mr Tan Heng Kai, 72, and his wife Tan Kwee Pong, 71, look forward to every year.

Visiting the bazaar, which stretches from Pagoda Street to Sago Street, is a must for the retirees as they enjoy soaking in the celebratory mood and admiring the Chinese New Year light-up and decorations.

For undergraduate Josclin Chee, 22, the bazaar, with stalls offering all sorts of traditional cookies, waxed duck and potted plants, holds fond memories as she usually visits with her mother and sister.

FUN

"We window-shop and my mum usually buys some snacks. When we came last year, we had a lot of fun, it was quality time spent together," said Miss Chee, who was passing through the area.

She said that she and her family will make a trip to the bazaar before Chinese New Year next month.

A trip to the bazaar during the festive season has become something of a tradition for Mr Tan and his wife.

Mr Tan said they have been visiting the street market for "far too many years to count".

"Coming here is a tradition for us. You know old people, we have nothing else to do," he said.

"And while the shops are different and the goods get more expensive, the atmosphere remains the same."

Coming here is a tradition for us. And while the shops are different and the goods get more expensive, the atmosphere remains the same.

tammei@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on January 18, 2016.
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