Merlion, the half-fish, half-lion that has become Singapore’s mascot, turned 50 this September. The attraction remains one of the most popular sites in the city for tourists and residents, alike.

Its elegance and simplicity is what catches your eye first. Then the beauty hidden in that simplicity becomes apparent. Merlion, which is a fictional mix of a Lion and a fish, that has become Singapore’s mascot the world over, is perhaps what describes Singapore the best, too. Indeed, Singapore in Sanskrit means a lion city and the city-State had its origins as a fishing village. The similarities don’t end here.

The Merlion Park, where the Merlion statue, 8.6 m high and weighing over 70 tonnes, is located has other distinct traits of Singapore as well. Compact, but with the feeling of an expanse, spotlessly clean, diverse and attractive. It has also become the best recognised tourism symbol of Singapore.

Sitting at the mouth of Singapore River, where it empties into the Singapore Straits, Merlion Park is one of the top five free access tourist sites in the city. On one side of the Merlion is a lovely and historic promenade, with a special connection to India as there is a plaque near Clifford Pier where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed. At the other end, the promenade ends into steps that end in the Singapore Straits, a reminder of the Land’s End at Nariman Point in Mumbai.

Merlion turned 50 this September and to mark the occasion Singapore organised numerous festivities and celebrations that commenced on September 15, the day the Statue was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of Singapore.

Merlion was treated to a month-long party that included food, drinks, shopping and a line-up of activities that paid tribute to its longevity. The city officials, the Singapore Tourism Board and the local private stakeholders came together to mount almost two dozen experiences and products.

“The Merlion is an enduring symbol of Singapore that is recognised around the world. It is also synonymous with tourism, which has helped to make Singapore a vibrant city and a home that Singaporeans can be proud of. After a difficult two years for our industry, it is timely for us to commemorate the Merlion’s golden jubilee and invite both locals and visitors to join in the celebrations,” said Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board.

From September 15 onwards, the statue was lit up every evening, from 6 pm to midnight. It was also lit up during the Formula 1 race that took place in Singapore from September 30 to October 2. In order to make the celebrations more interactive, STB launched a game, “Merli-Go-Round x Merlion 50th edition” game that can be downloaded from the Singapore Travel Guide app.

An art exhibition, “Nothing is Forever: Rethinking Sculpture in Singapore”, was also mounted on the occasion at the National Gallery in Singapore where Merlion can also be found.

In terms of private sector participation in the festivities, one of the main participants was Fullerton Hotel that is located almost opposite the Merlion Park. The hotel joined in the jubilee celebrations by lighting up its façade in warm, golden hues through the entire month of September. As part of the “Merlion’s Golden Jubilee Experience” from September 9-10, the hotel also launched a family weekend stay paired with afternoon tea in a bumbo at, offering photo opportunities including one in front of the Merlion Park.

For its part, Marina Bay Sands, another icon in Singaporean hospitality sector, launched limited edition beverages that draw inspiration from the Merlion’s adventurous spirit, combining locally distilled spirits and home grown botanicals.