Chinese New Year
Takes place for 42 days during January or February, depending on
the Chinese calendar. This is an exceptionally festive time for
Singapore. If you plan on being here during that time, best to book
your accommodation early. Festivities take place all over the city
and include the spectacular Chingay Parade, music and dance performances,
fireworks and a multitude of other parades.
Chingay Parade
A spectacular parade held in January or February along Orchard Road.
This is Singapore's grandest street festival which celebrates the
Chinese New Year with a Favorites include the stilt-walkers, lion
dancers, samba dancers and floats.
Hari Raya Puasa
On 19 January signals the end of Ramadan with three days of celebrations
in January or February.During Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, vendor
stalls sell food in the Arab Street district near the Sultan Mosque
after sunset.
Thaipusam
Held on 31 January at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and Sri Thandayuthapani
Temple in Little India. A long, impressive procession of Hindu penitents
carry 'kavadis' by piercing their bodies with hooks and barbs and
marching from Serangoon Road to Tank Road. Thaipusam honours Lord
Subramaniam, and on this Day of Atonement devotees offer thanks
or fulfil vows to the deity. Visit this site for more photos of
the Thaipusam festival in Singapore.
Singapore River Hong Bao
Usually held in February during several days in the beginning of
the Chinese New Year. An extravaganza includes a variety show with
top regional and local artists performing; complete with fireworks,
merchant kiosks and hawker stalls.
Singapore Fashion Festival
Held during March and April, offers an eye-opening preview to the
season’s trendiest colours, fabrics and styles through a series
of exciting fashion shows and exhibitions, as well as product launches.
Shop in between the visual feasts and take advantage of the promotions
held in conjunction with the Festival.
Vesak
Held in April or May throughout Singapore. The life of Buddha is
celebrated on Vesak Day and caged birds are released to symbolize
the liberation of captive souls. Celebrations are carried out at
all Buddhist temples where monks commemorate their Lord Buddha's
entry into Nirvana by chanting holy sutras and releasing captive
birds. Good locations to watch the festivities include Buddhist
Lodge at River Valley Road, Thai Buddhist Temple at Jalan Bukit
Merah and Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple at Jalan Toa Payoh.
Qing Ming Festival
Held at the crack of dawn on 5 April. Temples fill with Chinese
believers offering prayers in remembrance of the deceased. Observe
the day's rituals as families burn joss sticks and incense, and
prepare a delectable feast for their ancestors. Kong Meng San Phor
Kark See Temple at Sin Ming Avenue is an excellent place to experience
this annual ceremony of filial piety and family togetherness.
Dragon Boat Race
Held in May or June at Marina Bay. The Singapore World Invitational
Dragon Boat Races commemorate the death of a famous poet who drowned
himself to protest political corruption. Teams from around the world
compete for honours.
Singapore Arts Festival
Held in June, is an eclectic mix of dance, drama and music from
around the world. Also keep an eye out for the fringe events held
at venues all around Singapore.
Dumpling Festival
Held in June, is one of the most important Chinese festivals in
Singapore. You will find the widest array of dumplings and glutinous
rice desserts on sale in the longest Dumpling Fair ever, which include
lion dances, Chinese orchestra performance, Chinese opera and even
a karaoke evening. Don't miss the celebration highlight come to
Albert Mall and join in the festivity where teams of rollerblades
dressed as dragons race down and clear obstacles along the mall.
Arts In The Park Held throughout July when musical and theatre performances take
place in Singapore's beautifully landscaped parks. Enjoy music ranging
from Chinese Orchestra to Percussion to Choir and exhilarating theatre
performances.
Singapore Food Festival
Takes place in July at various venues. This festival is a melting
pot of tantalizing cuisine; Chinese, Indians Malay and more are
all represented. Participate in the opening celebrations from 2
to 4 July at Parco Bugis Junction where an entire air-conditioned
street will be converted into a giant buffet. "A Taste of Asia"
Asian cuisine will jointly present at several hotels, from 2 to
10 July.
Great Singapore Sale
Held May through July, has many stores offering spectacular mark-downs
and special discounts.
National Day
Is celebrated on 9 August with great pomp and pageantry. The National
Day Parade promises a fun-filled occasion complete with cultural
dances and fireworks galore.
Hungry Ghosts Festival
Takes place in August or usually September. The Chinese believe
this is a time when the souls of the dead roam the earth, causing
people burn incense in order to be blessed and not to be disturbed
by the spirits. Chinese opera performances and offerings of food
are dedicated to the spirits.
Lantern Festival
Held twice a year throughout Chinatown and the Chinese Garden. It
occurs during the full moon of the Chinese New Year; and again on
the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is full (September
or October). The highlight of the festival is the Mooncake Fair
where street-stalls offer an amazing variety of mooncakes and other
products such as ornamental lanterns, fruits, pastries and souvenirs.
The most catching sight is the Children's Lantern Parade, with hundreds
of children parading down the streets of Chinatown with their colourful
lanterns. Visit this site for great photos of the Lantern Festival
in Singapore.
Deepavali
Is a very important Hindu holiday held in the Hindu month of Aipasi,
which is between the solar months of October and November. Little
India's streets and temples are festooned with lights and garlands
while crowds pack the Sri Mariamman Temple to watch the barefoot
Hindu devotees walk across a pit of red hot embers without showing
any signs of pain. Festival celebrations begin at 2am and the fire-walking
usually begins at 4pm. It is advised to get to the temple early
to obtain a good vantage point. Temple etiquette requires visitors
to be dressed appropriately, and shoes must be removed at the door.
Gods Festival Takes place during Aipasi (October or November) at Nine Emperor
Gods Temple, Upper Serangoon Road (near the junction of Yio Chu
Kang Road) The Nine Emperor Gods are believed to cure ailments and
bestow good fortune and longevity when they visit earth during the
nine days of this festival. Priests write charms with their blood
and at the climax of the celebrations, images of the nine gods are
paraded, each in a decorative sedan chair carried by eight men.
Singapore River Buskers' Festival Usually takes place in November. Talented street performers
from around the world gather on the walkways of Orchard Road, along
the Singapore riverbank and Marina Bay for this festival. Spectators
can enjoy fantastic street theatre, comedians, contortionists, magicians,
mimes, sword-swallowers and jugglers, all set against the glittering
backdrop of the city.
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated throughout Singapore and the whole city
decorates its shops and streets to celebrate the occasion.
Singapore River Fiesta
Singapore River Fiesta makes the city’s waterway come alive
during this fiesta. The event features a calendar of exciting activities
all held at the nation's historic river.
