Festivals and Annual Events

Mostly observed by Hindus, this event occurs at the end of January to honor Lord Subramaniam. Devotees from all over the place gather at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and Sri Thandayuthapani Temple in Little India region and offer their thanks to the idol and seek forgiveness. As an act of penance and consecration, devotees also shave off their heads and pierce their tongues. The event is usually followed by a long, procession by Hindu devotees who chant prayers with religious fervor and march down the Serangoon Road and Tank Road (a three kilometer walk) bearing a kadavi ( shrine) on their heads. Spikes pierced on the body support the kadavi. Sometimes the kadavi is dragged by the devotees like a chariot.

This fifteen day celebration marking the beginning of the Chinese New Year is without question the most important festival of the Chinese Lunar calendar. Featuring music, dance, fireworks and festivities that last several days, this a time when families get together to feast, merry make and enjoy being together. An annual family reunion dinner is held and people throng the streets shopping at various stalls set up along the roadsides. The whole city seems to be enveloped in a mood of celebration but Chinatown which erupts in a frenzy of cultural performances, fireworks and light displays, is the place to be to get the full impact of this festival which commences in January and continues until February. Red is the prominent color during these celebrations and is seen in clothing, decorations etc.

The Chingay Parade, the biggest parade in Singapore, also Asia's grandest street parade, is certainly an event worth attending, being celebrated with full enthusiasm and excitement. The huge procession marks the festivities of the Chinese New Year. The celebrations feature Taiwanese acrobats to Salsa dancers who stop at designated spots along the parade route to perform. The traditional lion dance along with performers from far-flung countries giving cultural shows also feature in the parade which goes from City Hall to Suntec City.

With the onset of spring season, Singapore transforms into a gateway to fashion trends. Showcasing the latest colors, materials, styles and trends in vogue, various fashion events takes place to mark the beginning of the season. Exhibitions and fashion shows unleash creativity and trends to follow throughout the year. Coupled with new brands and style launches, this is the time to avail the most profitable promotions and discounts on the offer as fashion fever infects the island.

Food experts from around the world bring the best cuisines and wines to Singapore's top food and beverage establishments resulting in a gourmet paradise. Various programs including a gourmet safari are part of the summit. Master classes are held where participants can satisfy their curiosity and get a tip or two from the top-notch in the field.

The summer fiesta is in full swing via this colorful event in May-June that highlights dance, drama and music. Performers from across the globe visit Singapore to be part of this event. The festival is also marked by an eclectic program of cross-disciplinary, multimedia productions and performances that take place throughout the city at various venues.

Held at Marina Bay on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, the dragon boat race has contestants hailing from all over the world. The event is primarily observed to honor the death of a renowned poet who took his life by drowning in an effort to bring light to political corruption. This is also a time to enjoy traditional rice dumplings.

Again the sizzle of summers comes alive through this mouth watering food festival that unfolds an array of thrilling food fare. Chinese, Indians Malay and many other cuisines are on offer. The launch of the festival is celebrated at Parco Bugis Junction. The festival which lasts for 3 days from July 2 to 4 sees the transformation of the street into a food junction with mouth watering cuisine for all to sample.

Dedicated to the dead, the festival occurs either in August or September coinciding with the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. The main theory behind the celebration of this is basically to ward off evil spirits who, according to Chinese superstition, come down during this time on earth. People burn incense and paper money to keep away the spirits. Opera performances and offerings of food to the needy are also part of the celebrations. Children are discouraged from being outdoors after dusk. This is considered an inauspicious time and no business deal is signed nor property bought.

Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. Singapore's ethnic Malay enclaves come alive at this time of the year with brilliant light displays and bazaars bustling with traditional food, clothes and souvenirs.

Termed as the most important festival of the Hindus, it also marks the New Year of the Hindu lunar calendar. Deepavali is celebrated by Hindus to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to his home in Ayodhya after a fourteen year exile. It also celebrates the victory of good over evil. Homes and streets are lit up in celebration and devotees from all over the city visit the Sri Mariamman Temple. The act of walking across a pit of red hot embers takes place among cheers, garlands and lights. The Little India neighborhood is a frenzy of activity in the days leading up to the festival with people thronging shops to buy clothes, gold, household goods and decorations. Traditional oil lamps are lit in homes and sweets are offered on the altar and distributed among family and friends.

The performing arts festival rolls out in full swing on Orchard Road every year in November. The streets along the Singapore riverbank and Marina Bay are lined with theatre, comedians, contortionists, magicians, mimes, sword-swallowers and jugglers who continue to enchant the visitors with their various acts. Famously known as the most sought after festival in the city, it is heavily packed and attended by all age groups from all walks of life.

Like anywhere else in the world, Singapore too comes alive during the Christmas season where the city is lit up and decorated with lights. A frenzied festivity is witnessed across the city.