Joanna James
Admittedly Singapore is sinfully famous for its slick sheen of glamour and wealth. Here is your chance to experience the diverse ethnicities and vibrant heritage of this very cosmopolitan city-state via its festivals.
Travelling to Singapore anywhere from mid-November to early Jan? The be prepared to be dazzled by some stunning Christmas décor adorning streets and buildings, along with a healthy offering of Christmas fairs, carnivals, and more. Without a doubt, spending Christmas in Singapore is one of the best ways to end the year. Key attractions include the Christmas carnival that takes place annually on Orchard Road, along with the malls that always try to outshine each other in order to win the coveted best-decorated mall award. One can easily reach Orchard Street by hotels near Mapletree Business City Singapore including the likes of Park Hotel Alexandra with ease. Don't miss out on the dazzling street performances.
The Chinese New Year l is one of the most colourful Chinese festivals in the city-state. Every year, in the middle of January, the entire population of Chinatown comes together for a fortnight, to celebrate the Lunar New Year. As per the custom, during the Chinese New Year celebrations, houses are cleaned and beautifully decorated in red and gold. While the streets and malls are also dolled up in extravagant decorations. Some must-see performances include the Chingay parade held at the Marine Bay along with the iconic dragon dance.
Celebrated in early February on the night when the moon shines the brightest, Thaipusam is a festival celebrated by the Hindu community of Singapore. The festival that venerates Lord Murugan, is not for the faint-hearted, devotees practice self -mortification with sharp skewers pierced through various parts of their bodies. A key attraction of this festival is easily the processions, where devotees dance carrying ornate colourful frames and more. The event ends on a sweet note, with traditional Indian sweets being distributed after being served as an offering to the god.
Easily one of the best festivals to experience in Singapore includes the much-awaited food festival, which is organised annually by the Singaporean Tourism Board. If you consider yourself a foodie, then attendance is an absolute must. The event takes place from June to July and is a fantastic way to experience cuisines from around the world. The Singapore Food Festival celebrates the local perennial food and features a host of food competitions, culinary workshops, and themes celebrations.
A definite must for culture buffs, the Singapore Art Festival celebrates theatre, art, and music in all its glory. It is one of the very few events that celebrate a diverse range of art forms in one platform, the festival is a fantastic opportunity for talent to be seen and heard. Nothing really is an attraction if you are keen on experiencing art and culture at its best. Must experience aspects include International film screenings, painting competitions, art installations, theatre acts, and dances.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
