Joanna James
As one of Asia's most dynamic travel destinations, Singapore is a melting pot of diverse cultures and a fine example of how a developed nation can thrive due to its ethnic diversity. Although most holidaymakers head to Singapore to experience its retail hotspots and iconic theme parks, the Lion City's annual calendar is chock-full of exciting festivals and events that celebrate the country's cultural identity. Here are some of the top local celebrations to witness during a trip to Singapore.
Perhaps the most colourful festival in Singapore, the Chinese New Year takes place in February each year on a date determined by the lunar calendar. The first day of the Chinese New Year is dubbed the Spring Festival and typically falls on a full-moon day. Those who are looking to secure hotel accommodation in Singapore at venues such as Hotel 81 Princess and other resorts will find that most locations are fully booked during this season. This is due to the fact that most Singaporeans come home for the holidays to mark this annual event, which lasts for two weeks. Nearly every Chinese home in the Lion City is decked in gold and red hues while exchanging gifts and visiting relatives also becomes quite frequent. Lion and dragon performances take centre stage in Chinatown where most of the festivities reach fever pitch in mid February.
This four-day festival is celebrated by those of South-Indian origin residing in Singapore from 14th to 17th January each year. Little India is at the heart of Pongal celebrations in Singapore as a vast majority of the Indian community lives in this quarter. Special decorations and sweetmeats are prepared for the occasion while dance recitals in the Tamil tradition and Pongal cooking contests are also hosted across the island. Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple and other kovils in Singapore also join in the festivities by performing special religious rites and ceremonies in honour of the harvest festival.
Taking place on the 24th of February, the Lantern Festival, which is sometimes called the Spring Lantern Festival, is a red-letter event in the local calendar. Marking the last day of the Chinese New Year, it's not uncommon to see dozens of children carrying illuminated lanterns to release them into the air during the evening hours. The paper lanterns, which resemble various shapes and figures, are often made at home although there are store-bought variations that also contain puzzles for children to solve. The Moonfest Chinese Arts Festival also takes place during this time as Mooncakes are an integral part of the Lantern Festival.
Another Hindu festival that's become a national celebration in the Lion City, Thaipusam takes place towards the end of January each year. Complete with a Kavadi Parade and religious ceremonies concentrated around the Sri Mariamman Temple and the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, Thaipusam is a two-day event like no other.
Called the Duanwu Festival by most locals, the Dragon Boat Festival is an off-shoot of a Chinese festival with a history that dates back over a thousand years. This festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th month of the year according to the Chinese lunar calendar, and the main event at this local festival is the dragon boat race, which takes place on the Bedok Reservoir. Participants from all across China and Singapore compete in this boat race while spectators look on while enjoying rice dumplings and other traditional sweets and spirits associated with the event.
Vesak is a Buddhist festival celebrated in May, eagerly anticipated by Singaporeans as another significant religious and cultural event. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. During the month of Vesak, devotees engage in self-reflection, meditation, and piety. One of the key rituals performed during this full-moon festival is the "Bathing the Infant Buddha" ceremony, conducted at temples such as the Lin Shan Shuang Lin Temple and others across Singapore.
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