Major Cultural Festivals in Singapore
Friday 29 December, 2017
One of Singapore’s biggest attractions is undoubtedly our culture! Despite our small size, we’re a vibrant city-state bursting with a unique blend of races, religions and traditions.
You may want to say something like "Planning to visit Singapore in 2018? Here are some of the dates that you should plan your trip for..."
1. Chinese New Year
Link: http://straitstimes.com/
Credit: The Straits Times
The Lunar New Year is a major celebration especially for the Singaporean Chinese. Visit Chinatown where the streets are painted in red and abuzz with excited chatter, vibrant processions and stalls selling items from delicacies to decorations.
Also check out River Hong Bao—one of the region’s most iconic Chinese New Year celebrations featuring larger-than-life lanterns, thrilling amusement rides and mouth-watering snacks!
Dates: 16 February 2018 - 2 March 2018
2. Chingay Parade
Link: https://www.chingay.org.sg/chingay-parade/chingay-2017
Credit: Chingay
Stilt walkers, dancing dragons and vibrant floats, galore!
The annual Chingay Parade—Asia’s largest street performance and float parade—is a multicultural extravaganza that must not be missed! Visitors are treated to a glimpse into the different cultures of Singapore; where Singaporeans celebrate as one regardless of race, language, age and religion.
Dates: 23 - 24 February 2018
3. Vesak Day
Link: https://sg.theasianparent.com/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-vesak-day/
Credit: theAsianparent
During Vesak Day, Buddhists in the country commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. Shrines and temples of Singapore will be flooded with joss stick offerings, traditional chanting and the wavering scent of lighted incense.
Some temples such as the Phor Kark See Temple may even have candlelight processions where you’ll witness worshippers practise the two-hour-long ‘three-step, one-bow’ ritual—where devotees use both knees to take steps, and bow at every third step as they pray for world peace, personal blessings and repentance.
Date: 29 May 2018
4. Hari Raya Puasa
Link: http://www.thefinder.com.sg/whats/things-do/whats-weekend-singapore-23-26-june-2017
Credit: The Finder Singapore
Commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Eid al-Fitr, the day marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic period of sober repentance, and a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting.
During the season, visitors should also visit the Geylang Serai district where there’ll be a vibrant light display and the annual Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar. Be sure to visit the Bazaar on an empty stomach—there’ll be a myriad of traditional and novelty food stalls selling delicacies.
Date: 14 - 15 June 2018
5. Dragon Boat Festival
Link: http://singaporefinest.com.sg/dragon-boat-festival/
Credit: Singapore’s Finest
Combine pounding drumbeats and delicious rice dumplings and you'll have the recipe for a sizzling Dragon Boat Festival!
Legend has it that the great poet and Minister of the State, Qu Yuan, from the reign of the Chinese kingdom, Chu, threw himself into the Mei Lo River when he saw the state going down from corruption. Boat men then rowed desperately to save him from flesh eating fish, but they could not reach him on time. In his memory, the dragon boat race festival is held.
Today, the annual festival gathers crowds with the infectious energy of the racers and beautifully-adorned dragon boats.
Date: 18 June 2018
6. Mid-Autumn Festival
Link: https://www.weekendnotes.com/mid-autumn-festival-singapore/
Credit: Weekend Notes
The story of Chang Er is the most widely accepted tale regarding the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Chang Er, the wife of a merciless king, downed the elixir of immortality he had intended to drink to save her people from his tyrannical rule. The tale goes that she ascended to the moon after that, and has been worshipped by the Chinese as a Moon Goddess ever since.
The festival is all about lunar appreciation so the party begins when the sun goes down! Bask in the warm glow of colourful lanterns and feast in traditional mooncakes as you witness the moon at its brightest.
Date: 24 September 2018
7. Deepavali
Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonsiegel/8195913770/in/album-72157631872440149/
Credit: Jon Siegel
Also known as "Diwali" or the "Festival of Lights", Deepavali is an annual Hindu celebration of the triumph of good over evil.
If you’re in town, visit Little India. The epicentre for Deepavali celebrations turns into a dazzling display of bright colours and the light and aromas of oil lamps throughout the streets of the district. On several nights leading to Deepavali, there'll also be traditional dancers and artists performing around the area.
Date: 6 November 2018
8. Christmas
Link: http://www.visitsingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/cultural-festivals/christmas/
Credit: Visit Singapore
You may not get real snow in Singapore's tropical climate, but the festive sales and Yuletide menus will put you in a merry mood!
If that isn’t enough, visit Orchard Road. The famous Singapore shopping belt and its spectacular annual Christmas light-up and intricate mall decorations will surely spread festive cheer and have you in awe.
Date: 25 December 2018
