Singapore is a blend of many ethnicity and cultures and has created its mark with its unique blend. As a part of this culture, the city also celebrates its unique festivals in Singapore style. There is some Singapore festival happening in the city, no matter which time of the year you visit. So, while you are here, make sure to be a part of some of these unique festivals of Singapore.
Chinese New Year
Singapore starts its festival season in January by celebrating the Chinese New Year that takes place during the 25th and 26th of January. Also known as the Lunar New Year, the entire China Town comes to life with decorations, lighting, food stalls along with lion dancers and fire eaters.
Highlights: As the neon lights Singapore deck the city during the night, do not miss the famous Dragon Dance and Chingay Parade that takes place near the iconic Marina Bay Sands.
Thaipusam
Singapore celebrates festivals of all cultures and ethnicity, and Thaipusam is also one such festival celebrated by the Tamil locals here. The procession takes place between two famous local temples, but you have to be a brave heart to see the procession. Expect to see sharp skewers pierced through mouth and cheeks and other piercing on the body along with ornate decorations too.
Highlights: While you are here, don’t miss the sweets that are distributed after the parade.
Singapore Art Festival
The Singapore Art Festival is celebrated during the second half of May. This festival is a must-visit for the cultural buff in you and is undoubtedly not to be missed if you are visiting the city in May. The festival is a single platform for art, music, ensembles, theater acts, dances, and much more.
Highlights: While you are here, don’t miss the street performances and painting competitions.
Hari Raya
Another festival that comes in May is the Hari Raya festival, Singapore’s unique style of celebrating Eid. Colorful streets, hanging lanterns and decorative, delicious food, and the fast-breaking rituals are some of the highlights of this festival.
Highlights: If you are here in the city during the festival, visit the Geylang Serai Bazaar and Sultan Mosque too.
Dragon Boat Festival
Line up at Bedok Reservoir and DBS Marina Regatta for heart-throbbing boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival. Also known as the Duanwu Festival, the race is held in June. You can also be a part of the boat race and the celebrations that follow for an adrenaline rush.
Highlights: Drinks and dumplings follow after the boat race, so eat to your heart’s content!
Singapore National Day
If you happen to be in the city during August, try and witness the national day parade. Celebrated on the 9th of August, Singapore National Day is a one proud day for the nation and its residents and is celebrated with pomp and show. Like many other countries, Singapore also showcases its culture, defense power, heritage, and diversity.
Highlights: A spectacular display of fireworks follows all of this.
Mid-Autumn Festival Singapore
Every city and nation has its tale and legend. The Mid-Autumn festival of Singapore, also known as the Lantern Festival, is dedicated to one such legend. The festival is celebrated with traditional dances, musical performances, moon cakes, and much more. Speaking of moon cakes, the festival is based on the Legend of Chang Er, a lady who floated to the moon and is said to reside there still.
Highlights: The opening ceremony and the different shapes of lanterns are a feast to the eyes.
Deepavali
Another festival of lights that the city celebrates is Deepavali. No one else celebrates this festival like Singapore after India. Golden glow, electrical lights, Deeyas, and sparklers can be seen throughout the city.
Highlights: The streets of Little India are decked up, which are surely worth a visit during the 15th day of Indian Kartik Month that usually falls in October.
Singapore Night Festival
The Singapore Night Festival is one of the most celebrated festivals in the city and attracts thousands of tourists every year. What does the festival have to offer? Well, as the name suggests, a great nightlife. Hosted at the Bras Basah Bugis, the festival turns the area into a playground of beautiful lights and installations. The festival is home to many stunning performances from artists around the world.
Highlights: There is an exciting line-up of art, heritage, culture, and music. All of this under one roof is a chance that you don’t want to miss!
Some of the other important festivals that take place around the city are the Vesak day, Hungry Ghost Festival, Singapore Art Festival, and the Singapore Food Festival. With something exciting happening throughout the year, you can cover at least one of these festivals during your time of visit, along with the many spectacular attractions of the city.
The city is well planned and is well connected through the bus route too. You can also club a trip to Malaysia during your plan to visit the city. Never worry about booking tickets as redBus offers bus online tickets to all the major bus routes of the city. Enjoy even bigger discounts when you combine your Malaysia bus tickets along with your Singapore trip.