Chinese New Year in 2021 is looking to be a whole lot different. 

Apart from the current restrictions placed on social gatherings under the safe distancing rules, the dragon dances have been cancelled entirely. 

Lion dances will not be allowed to perform in neighbourhoods as well, said the Singapore Wushu Dragon and Lion Dance Federation on Sunday (Jan 17), due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, lion dance performances are permitted at some public venues, such as offices, factories, hotels, temples, and shops in mega shopping centres. 

The number of performers for lion dance performances is also capped at eight this year, in line with safe distancing rules. All performers, except those controlling the head and the tail, must be masked up during the performance too. 

Additionally, interested lion dance troupes have to do more paperwork than before, such as the submission of daily schedules to the police. 

This year, a cai qing permit for 16 days – from Feb 11 to Feb 26 – costs $15, excluding the goods and services tax. It was $150 for the same permit in 2020.