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The Lantern Festival is celebrated by the Chinese to honor Buddha and is held twice every year. First, on the full moon of the Chinese New Year and next, on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month in full moon( September/October). There are beautiful fireworks, endless entertainment, folk dancing and lantern making that all are a part of the celebrations of the lantern Festival of Singapore. These brightly lit up colorful lanterns are hung on the streets and on each home. There are riddles written on many of the lanterns and prizes are given out to those who can solve them. There are picnics held in the gardens and people bring moon cakes and Chinese pastries that are a special part of the celebration of the lantern Festival in Singapore. Singapore becomes one big carnival wit lots of feasts, laughter of the running children, the lion dancers wandering the streets with the beat of the drums followed by the celestial prince and princesses. The floating lanterns on the lake present a magical sight. One should not miss the Children's lantern parade during the Lantern Festival where hundreds of children with colorful lanterns parade through the streets of Singapore. There are stalls on the sides of the streets selling items such as the moon cakes, pastries and fruits as well as products such as ornamental lanterns and souvenirs. The Lantern Festival runs for about 10 days and covers two weekends, during which Singapore becomes a colorful spectacle of lights and laughter.
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