One of the best ways to know about the culture, traditions, and history of a country is through its festivals. Singapore has a unique culture that blends European and Asian cultures. Moreover, Singapore celebrates a variety of events and festivals with passion and energy. Meanwhile, the welcoming and lively people of the nation celebrate these events to their full potential. Singapore has proclaimed some key religious holidays and occasions as national holidays. We have brought you some of the most popular festivals in Singapore.
Chinese New Year
One of the most celebrated popular festivals in Singapore is the Chinese New Year. The celebration of the Lunar New Year is unmatched in Singapore. People clean their houses and decorate them beautifully. Walking across the street, you will pass by dolled-up malls, stalls, and streets with extravagant decorations. This festival is one of the best times to visit night markets and temples in Singapore. If you are planning your next trip to Singapore, do it in the season of festivals. Don’t miss out on the dragon Dance and Chingay.
Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon Boat Festival is another popular festival in Singapore. It is more commonly known as the Duanwu Festival. It is a Chinese Festival but is celebrated with full zeal and zest in Singapore. It is celebrated according to the Chinese calendar and falls on the fifth day of the fifth month. If you want to take part in Dragon Boat Races, you can at Bedok Reservoir. This festival offers a great opportunity to enjoy wine, games, and rice dumplings at the venue. Apart from Bedok Reservoir, it is also celebrated at DBS Marina Regatta.
Hungry Ghost Festival
The Hungry Ghost Festival is another popular festival celebrated in Singapore. As the name suggests, it is a traditional Taoist and Buddhist festival. According to common beliefs, on this day the ghosts of ancestors come out of their graves. The people of Singapore on this occasion pay visits to their ancestors’ graves and pray for them. Moreover, they bring food with them for the ancestors so that when they come out they can have food. Hungry Ghost is known by some other popular names as well, like Zhongyuan Festival or Yulin Festival.
Lantern Festival
Lantern Festival is among the most celebrated celebrations in Singapore. It is more often known as the springtime lantern festival. The festival is celebrated according to the Chinese Lunar year and is held on the last day of the China New Year holiday. The panoramic views of lanterns lighting the night sky are beyond words. You have to see it to believe it. Plan your visit to Chinatown during this festival and enjoy the performances at the Moonfest Chinese Arts Festival. Moreover, savor the delicious Mooncakes to get the taste of the festival.
Singapore National Day
One of Singaporeans’ favorite holidays is the country’s National Day. A ceremony is conducted to commemorate the event. This festival is celebrated to honor freedom from Malaysia on its National Day. This is the best time to know about the history, culture, and traditions of Singapore. There is a public display of culture, heritage, defense, power, and diversity. If you are planning your trip to Singapore in August, do add this to your bucket list. It is celebrated on 9th August every year. Be a part of the National Day celebrations at Marina Bay. Moreover, you can view the fireworks from the Singapore Flyer.
Vesak Day
The most significant annual occasion for the Buddhist Singaporean population is Vesak Day. This festival is celebrated according to the Lunar month and falls on the new day of the fourth lunar month. It is to honor the Buddha’s conception and ultimate nirvana. Visit a Buddhist temple and enjoy public events there. Some of the more common highlights of Visak Day are a vegetarian fair, open forums, hymn singing, and more. We recommend you to visit major Buddhist temples like the Lin Shan Shuang Lin Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple.
Christmas
Christmas is the most enchanted season of the calendar year. The holiday mood begins to permeate society months before Christmas. If you visit Singapore during mid-November you will find the streets of Singapore turning into one of the most captivating fairylands at night. You will be mesmerized by the beautiful celebrations of Christmas in Singapore. Roam around the streets that are decorated with glittering lights, bulbs, decorated trees, and arches. The people are enchanted to host a carnival. If you are looking for a perfect place to end the year most nicely. Be a part of the Christmas carnival on Orchard road, where we recommend you not to miss the street performances.
Travel is an enthralling experience and festivals raise the bar of this excitement even more. If you are ready to witness the cultural and traditional Festivals in Singapore then plan your trip to Singapore right away. Make sure to check the dates you lock include at least one to two of these festivals.
