Events & Festivals

Festivals & Events in Singapore

In January	Thaipusam
In February	Chinese New Year (depending upon Lunar calendar and may fall in January or March), Hari Raya Haji, Chingay, and River Hong Bao.
In March	Good Friday Easter
In April	Qing Ming Festival
In May	Vesaka Day
In June	Dragon Boat Races Festival.
In July	Null
In August	National Day and Festival of the Hungry Ghost
In September	Moon Cake and Lantern Festival
In October	Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods, Navarathiri and Thimithi
In November	Deepavali (Festival of Light)
In December	Hari Raya Puasa, Christmas and New Year

January

Thaipusam

The most fascinating Indian festival held around January or February. Male devotees go through the careful spiritual concentration first in order to ready themselves for the penance by piercing their bodies with heavy spikes supporting loaded structures called "kavadi." Kavadi is a wooden arch decorated with fruits, pots of milk, or flowers. Some drive the kavadi through their tongues, cheeks, and bodies.Astonishingly, not even one drop of blood shed while devotees march for 3-kilometre journey from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple located on Sarangoon road to Sri Thandayuthapani in Tank road. There are supporters gathering around the devotees chanting prayers, clapping their hands, and encouraging those devotees all along the way until they reach the destination.

Thaipusam is considered a superstitious penitential festival. Devotees must make a prayer or fasting before going through this breathtaking festival in honor of Lord Subramaniam.

February

Chinese New Year

The most special festival held around January or February, but mostly in February. It lasts for 15 days yet within the two public holidays with joyful celebrations and feastings. Chinese people all over Singapore would come home for a family reunion dinner one night before the festival starts.

As this festive period covers 15 days, it brings so much money to the China Town as it is the first place people would go for shopping. Along the footpath, colorful decorations can be seen and full of shops selling red papers with the writing of Chinese calligraphy (good words, good meanings), Chinese pastries, firecracker, and other golden myriad of things, which represent brightness and prosperity.

Red envelops are used for sending cards whether being as an expectation of Chinese children who so much enjoy getting red envelop called "hong bao" with some money inside from their parents and older relatives. Most children tend to save this money rather than to spend it improperly.

One thing not to miss is prayer to gods by those who give offerings at Chinese temples or little altars set at various places, mostly in China Town. During this festive season, tons of chicken, ducks, pork, fishes, and fruits are sold. Some people bring fruits (mainly oranges) along with them to visit their relatives as this is considered as the symbol of good fortune and they would get "hong bao" in return. Hong bao can be given to adults as well as to children. And those meats are used as offerings to gods. They actually make offerings at home rather than at temples because almost every Chinese family has small altars at their places.

During this festival, the other two events are held in accordance; these are the River Hong Bao and the Chingay Parade.

Hari Raya Haji

Hari Raya Haji is a Muslim celebration held annually in February but counted as the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. The pilgrims perform the pilgrimage to the Islamic sacred city of Mecca. Male pilgrims are given the title of Haji, while female pilgrims Hajjah. The highlight is that they sacrifice goat or buffalo (which later would be given to the poor) as the gratitude to Allah (Muslim God) at dawn first and then chant prayers at the mosque. Muslim families also visit each others' homes during this festival.

Chingay

The grandest parade in Singapore arranged during the Chinese New Year festival representing the cosmopolitan society with various shows and activities. Amazingly, there are shows from the U.S., France, United Kingdom, Japan, and etc. Those foreigners fly from the other parts of the world just to attend this amusing festival in order to spread their cultural performances. There are about 2,000 performers, both local and foreigners, and 200,000 spectators march to Orchard Road to eye the parade. This parade is televised "live" and is as well transmitted via satellite to Asia Pacific and international broadcasting networks.

If you are interested in showing the performance, you may contact directly at:

The Chairman Organization Committee Chingay Singapore

c/o People's Association

9 Stadium Link Singapore 397750

Tel: (065) 345-3973

Fax: (065) 340-5185

River Hong Bao

River Hong Bao is an annual event held during the celebration of the Chinese New Year period and taken place at the waterfront area close to Marina Promenade. The event shows the Chinese tradition alongside with the relevant Chinese zodiac symbol for that coming year. The stalls feature the best of Chinese arts and crafts, while there is a float depicting the animal of Chinese zodiac in that year, including huge statues of the Gods of Fortune and Wisdom. After the sunset, there come the cultural performances. There are also corners of palm reading from Taiwan and China to serve those in curiosity.

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March

Good Friday Easter

A movable feast held in March or April. It is pre-destined on 18 April in 2003, and on 9 April in 2004.

This feast is considered important for the Christians as it reminds them of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. They gather in Churches in gratitude of Christ's priceless sacrifice and special prayers are normally held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Victoria Street. This solemn festival marks the trail and crucification of Jesus Christ with the Christians holding white candles in their hands. All these processes are for the commemoration of holy Jesus Christ.

April

Qing Ming Festival

Another Chinese festival held in early April. The Chinese people would go to the cemetery to pay homage to their ancestors with food, fruits, tea, and Chinese pastries. Generally they do not go alone or with their own family but with their clan as a whole family reunion. Joss-sticks and candles are lit and placed before the tombs to commemorate their ancestors. This festival clearly represents the sense of gratitude to one's ancestors.

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May

Vesaka Day

The holy Buddhist festival that falls on the full moon day of the 5th month, held in commemoration of Lord Buddha on His Birth, Enlightenment, and Death (with the journey to Nirvana) that all fell on that particular full moon day.

The sutras are chanted since the early morning by monks in saffron clad, and Buddhist devotees. Subsequently, imprisoned animals such as birds, turtles, or eels are set free to nature. Besides, there are some money and gifts distributed to the poor by the Buddhists. The celebration includes marching on the streets which are brightened by candlelight and the observers are also welcome to attend the ceremony at Buddhist temples.

June

Dragon Boat Races Festival

An exciting Chinese festival held on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (June) to honor the late Chu Yuan. This festival originating in Chinese mythology recorded in the fourth century before Christ. Chu Yuan, a servant of a Chinese Emperor, had a passion to be a poet. He had so many fine qualities but his most vivid quality was honesty. The corruption was widespread at that time, even the king did commit political corruption. Chu Yuan was sorrowful with his Emperor and later found his conscience incapable of serving such king; he then chained himself with enormous rock and jumped into Tung Tin Lake in Hunan Province. His body was never found, but much later people saw his ghost at the drowning spot crying that "Chu Yuan had been murdered by water monster."

Today, Dragon Boat Races can attract foreigners' attention as proven by many foreign teams attending the Race from North America and Europe. This festival takes place in many parts in Asia, from Nagasaki to Singapore, and Singapore to Macau. In Singapore, this festival can be seen at the Marina Bay. Audiences should sit as close as they can to the water's edge in order to watch their team competing in this exciting boat race.

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August

National Day

Singaporeans gladly celebrate their country's Independence on every 9 August. The Parade is taken place at the Padang or National Stadium and marched by multitudinous people such as students, soldiers, and workers who display colorful and exciting shows. The National Day Parade is arranged by the government, social groups, and various communities.

Festival of the Hungry Ghost

In the 7th lunar month (August), the Chinese believes that the gate of hell is opened wide and the ghosts are allowed to wander on the earth to look for food after being imprisoned for 12 months. Chinese adults tell the young that it is dangerous to go out after dusk. Besides, buying properties or dealing businesses is avoided during this time. Even the stock market becomes quieter as it concerns with business. This is affected from the arrival of hungry ghosts who come with portent.

The Chinese would light the joss-sticks and make offerings such as food, fruit, fake money, paper car, house, mobile phone and etc. Small altars are actually set in front of the house or on the footpath. After making offerings, those fake money and properties will be burnt as they believe that those homeless spirits will receive these objects in hell.

In Chinatown, there is a street show performed by people wearing ghost masks as to appease the hungry spirits. This festival lasts for several centuries and does represent the belief in superstition.

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September

Moon Cake and Lantern Festival

For some people, the Moon Cake festival is known as the Lantern festival, or the Mid-Autumn festival held on the 15th of the 8th month in Chinese lunar calendar. This day the moon appears at its fullest and brightest, as well as represents luck and prosperity.

This festival is held in commemoration of patriot Shu Yuan Zhang, who tried to overthrow the domineering rule of the Yuan Dynasty in the 14th century by writing his plot on the paper hidden in the mooncake and passed it to his fellows. Of course, the lanterns were used to guide the way to achieve his plan. That is why some people acknowledge this festival as the Lantern festival.

Today, the round moon-cakes filled with red bean or lotus seeds are widely sold in shops and are exchanged as gifts. Lanterns are as well sold in various shapes such as rabbits, fishes, squirrels, butterflies, and etc. Besides, there is a lantern competition arranged in the Chinese Garden located in Jurong. Numerous lanterns are displayed there and the winning lanterns will be put high so outstandingly. At this time, the Chinese Garden looks very bright and worth the visit indeed.

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November

Deepavali (Festival of Lights)

Deepavali or "Festival of Lights" is annually held in November as to celebrate the triumph of Lord Krishna over the evil Narakasura. Lord Krishna symbolizes goodness while Narakasura represents evil; that's why it concerns with "lights," which clearly depict purity. So to speak, light will always win darkness and good can always conquer evil.

Deepavali is considered a most important day of Hindu calendar, and is arranged in Little India, another ethnic area of Singapore. It's times for rejoicing and renewal of especial Hindus and Sikhs. Of course, oil lamps play a unique part of this festival as it is believed that there are spirits of departed relatives who come back to earth and so the lights are the guidance for those wandering souls to their subsequent world. For the Indians, this festival is like a New Year celebration, while they welcome relatives and friends at their own homes for exchanging some blessings.

During this auspicious time, Serangoon Road in Little India and temples in that area such as Sri Veerama Kaliamman, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman, and Sri Srinivasa Perumal are adorned with spectacular display of fairy lights, garlands of jasmine, and colorful arches to mark this festive period. People pour into Little India at night for celebrations, sightseeing, and festive goods such as costumes, food, furniture, arts, crafts, and jewelries.

Deepavali is taken into account of Singapore's important festivals for this time helps harmonize people, promote goodwill, and share understanding through various ethnic groups.

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December

Hari Raya Puasa

Hari Raya Puasa is also known as "Hari Raya Aidil Fitri," the most important religious festival for Muslims for it marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and alms-giving. After the fasting period, the Muslims celebrate the first of Syawal which lies in the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

The Muslims usually go for prayers in mosques at early hours and followed by visiting cemeteries. Alms-giving is also included which will be subsequently donated to the poor.

This festival is a good time for family gatherings in purpose of sharing good things, forgetting bad pasts, reconciling with someone, and above all, other ethnic friends are welcome for renewing one's sense for other communities. This is like a custom of every Muslim to express their feelings toward their families, while forgiveness and understanding go through senior members or breadwinner of the family.

As always, light helps perfect the meaning and purpose of various festivals, just like Deepavali. Light has so many meanings and is the representation of brighter future. For Hari Raya Puasa, oil lamps are lighted from the 20th day of Ramadan and will continue shining bright until the end of this festival which lasts for a month.

Christmas

Christmas, the Christian festival brought by the British ruler during the colonial day has affected Singaporeans a lot, yet in the positive side as proven by the smiles, voices of joy, departure of stress and joyful banquets. On 25th December, Singapore becomes brighter with lights lit all around the island. Though the Christian Singaporeans possess a tiny percentage of Singapore's population but this festival is the second biggest celebration held annually with Christmas caroling, decorated trees, unreal Santa Claus, and colorfully-wrapped presents.

Sad but true, there is no snow in Singapore as it is the tropical country. Fortunately, for those who love seeing white snow will be delighted if they go to shopping malls or department stores as these places attract people by spraying frost or even using snow-making machines to please the children.

Even though Christmas festival covers only 24th and 25th December yet this special event in Singapore lasts until early January. The image of Christmas festival can be seen particularly on Orchard Road where the golden bells, holly, and colorful streamers are decorated. When the night comes, thousands of fairy lights are lit beautifully while shopping malls present Christmas carols and attract customers by setting competition with prizes to win for.

Happy New Year

The biggest festival in Singapore! The most attractive spot is the Fountain of Wealth at Suntec City where live performances of music and dancing are held. In the night, the island shines almost as bright as the day when myriad of lights are turned on and celebrations are enjoyed until the sun rises.

If celebrating with nature is what you prefer, don't hesitate to head for Sentosa Island where tranquility and peace can be found with the waves flow unstoppably.

Or if spending this precious time with your loved ones is in your clearest sight, let's go to hotels, bars, or restaurants where special events and celebrations are creatively arranged.

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