A beloved maritime tradition quietly ends, leaving photographers and observers nostalgic.
A Tradition Fades Into Darkness
Singapore’s 2023 New Year’s Eve celebrations marked the long-awaited return of Marina Bay’s dazzling fireworks display after a pandemic-induced hiatus. Yet, it also brought the unexpected end of a maritime tradition cherished by many: the firing of ship flares to ring in the New Year.
Singaporean photographer Darren Soh, who had documented this spectacle for over a decade, shared his disappointment in a Facebook post on Jan. 2. As he eagerly awaited the flares on Dec. 31, 2022, the midnight sky remained dark, with only a few sporadic bursts breaking the silence.
“I was completely shocked,” Soh admitted. “For years, I could depend on the ships to do this one thing at the stroke of midnight, but my faith was suddenly shaken.”
A Custom Rooted in Utility and Spontaneity
The tradition of firing flares, observed not just in Singapore but globally, served a dual purpose. It celebrated the New Year while expending flares nearing the end of their three-year shelf life. Soh described the event as “spontaneous and unpredictable,” contrasting it with the choreographed nature of city fireworks.
One of his most cherished photographs captured the Eastern Anchorage off Marine Parade on Jan. 1, 2015, when the sky lit up in brilliant red—a moment he fondly remembers as unmatched in its raw beauty.
Safety Concerns Bring Change
Unbeknownst to many, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) prohibited the firing of flares for non-emergency purposes starting in December 2021. A Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) notice highlighted the risks, explaining how flares and laser lights could endanger aircraft operations by distracting or disorienting pilots during critical phases of flight.
Violating these regulations can result in hefty fines of up to S$20,000 for a first offence, with subsequent violations carrying even harsher penalties, including jail time.
A Nostalgic Goodbye
Soh expressed his sadness over the quiet demise of the tradition. “Happy New Year, Singapore,” he wrote. “Treasure what you have and make as many photos as you can, because you never know when it will be taken from you.”
As Singapore adapts to evolving safety measures, the loss of this unique maritime ritual serves as a poignant reminder to cherish fleeting moments of cultural and communal significance.
