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Singapore is a cosmopolitan city and is the centre of multi-cultural celebrations in Asia. The Lion City is home to a diverse cultural mosaic that spans Asia and Europe, and therefore the festivals in Singapore are multi-cultural. Singapore is home to several ethnically distinct neighbourhoods, such as Chinatown and Little India. Because of the diversity of Singaporean culture, four languages are recognised as official in the nation. Its complete adherence to human rights and equality, together with its peace-loving nature, has drawn countless immigrants over the years. Thus, it is undeniable that Singaporeans celebrate a wide variety of events and festivals with enormous enthusiasm. Want to more? Here’s the Singapore festival list we know you need!
Annual Dragonboat Festival
One lovely celebration that highlights Singaporean culture goes by many names than just the Zhongxao celebration or the Duanwu Festival. It is one of the most important festivals in Singapore! Because it takes place on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, this festival—which has been going on for thousands of years—is also called the Double Fifth Festival. There are dragon boat races during this holiday all across the globe, and Chinese communities are usually there to watch them compete. At the Bedok Reservoir, you might watch these boats racing against one another. During this celebration, attendees would be seen enjoying rice dumplings and realgar wines. According to the English calendar, this celebration takes place between the last week of May and the beginning of June.
Diwali
On the day that is known as Deepavali or Diwali, Lord Rama went back to his realm. Since Singapore is home to many Indians, this is one of the most important Hindu festivals in Singapore. The festival is celebrated to signify that virtue has triumphed over evil. Spectacular fireworks light up the night sky, while Little India is illuminated with lights throughout the day. People are greeted by one another while dressed in new attire. Some families do a thorough cleaning and stock up on new items before the big day.
Chinese New Year
The Spring Festival in Singapore, which is also known as Chinese New Year, begins on the day of the new moon. This is one of the most important festivals in Singapore! Cleaning one's house during the Lunar New Year (or another name) is a big deal for Chinese people; they believe it will drive out bad luck and create room for good fortune. This magnificent event in Singapore begins on the evening of New Year's Eve and lasts for fourteen days. Chinese residents go to see loved ones and adorn their houses with festive red and gold decorations. Additionally, they give children Hong Bao, which are red envelopes, and exchange presents. During these celebrations, Chinatown comes to life. As part of the festivities, lion and dragon dances are shown.
Hari Raya
The Singaporean holiday of Hari Raya is widely celebrated and is said to be the local analogue of the world-famous Eid celebration that follows the month-long fasting of Ramadan. This is one of the most important Muslim festivals in Singapore! If you find yourself in Singapore, you must not miss this renowned and traditional celebration. It is that time of year when Singapore's Muslim community dons their new threads and begins each day with a pilgrimage to the local mosque to offer prayers. Spend the rest of the day joyfully visiting loved ones. Enjoy the lively streets in your finest party garb as you peruse the stalls selling their delicious treats. Additionally, you may see the fast-breaking rites at any mosque in the area, including the Sultan Mosque, which has a beautifully furnished market.
Lantern Festival Singapore
Among Singapore's many festivities, the Mid Autumn Lantern Festival (also known as the Mooncake Festival) stands out. This is one of the most beautiful festivals in Singapore! The fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Chinese year is celebrated as a harvest festival in the Chinese communities. On this particular day, lanterns of all sizes and shapes – which symbolize the light of people's path to prosperity and good fortune – are carried and displayed. Paper lanterns come in a wide variety of forms and sizes, with some being more conventional and straightforward than others. Apart from the lanterns, mooncakes which are a local dessert are shared and eaten.
River Festival in Singapore
One cannot help but be fascinated by this magnificent Singaporean event, which is all about the illusions of the river water. See the top worldwide DJs and musicians throwing wild outdoor events. In Singapore, you may commemorate the origins and establishment of the country along the river with several parades and performances. Additionally, Singapore is home to several folk performances. The incredible optical illusions, folk performances, historical displays, etc., are not to be missed.
Thaipusam
One of the most important Tamil festivals in Singapore, this is not for the faint-hearted! The Tamil month of Thai is called Pusam, and the star with the same name is Thaipusam. The Pusam star reaches its zenith in the sky during the Thai month. That is why the full moon is the perfect time to celebrate the Thaipusam celebration. There are two days of festivities: the night before and the actual day of the celebration. Devotees get together during this event to make good on their promises. While some worshippers stab their bodies with spiky Kavadis (altars), others bring jugs of milk to pour over the Vel (a sacred javelin).