The island city-state of Singapore, which is situated at the southernmost point of the Malay Peninsula, is one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. High-end retail centres, exclusive natural preserves and marine parks, busy riverside quays, active nightlife, and delectable food can all be found in this little island city-state. Additionally, Singapore’s diverse culture is a fusion of Asian and European civilizations. The city-many state’s ethnic groups enjoy a variety of colourful festivals occurring all year long. Enjoy this list of some of the notable festivals in Singapore that you must experience, including religious celebrations, cuisine festivals, sporting events, and societal observances. So, go from Malaysia to Singapore by bus today and make the most out of your stay in Singapore. Simply book your bus tickets online and get going. Bon Voyage!
Chinese New Year
In Singapore, the first day of the Chinese New Year, often referred to as the Spring Festival, occurs on the day of the new moon. The Lunar New Year, or New Year’s Day as it is often known, is very important to the Chinese, who clean their homes to get rid of bad luck and make room for good luck. Singaporeans celebrate this large event for 14 days on the eve of the New Year. Chinese residents in the area visit their families around this time, and they also adorn their homes in red and gold. They also offer children Hong Bao and exchange gifts (red envelopes). Through the celebration of celebrations, Chinatown comes to life. Dances of the lion and dragon were performed as part of the celebration.
Dragon Boat Festival
One of Singapore’s most enjoyable cultural festivals is the Dragon Boat Festival. On the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, Singapore honours this Chinese holiday in a praiseworthy manner every year. This celebration, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is conducted in memory of Qu Yuan, a revered state minister famed for his honesty who was unjustly exiled by his emperor. The Bedok Reservoir in Singapore hosted the dragon boat races on the day of the festival. The area becomes vibrant when a boat is rowed at a brisk pace while accompanied by thunderous drums, jubilant spectators, and waving flags.
On this day, people also consume realgar wines and zongzi, which are rice dumplings. Plan your trip to Singapore during the festival if you enjoy competition, sports, and a lively atmosphere.
Thaipusam
One of the most important Hindu holidays observed in Singapore is Thaipusam. Hindus in Singapore remember Lord Subramaniam’s (also known as Lord Murugan’s) victory over the powers of evil by celebrating this event on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai. This festival’s rites and procession are not intended for the benevolent individual. This is because, during this festival, male Hindu devotees walk barefoot for 3 to 4 km from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thandayuthapani Temple and pierce their bodies and faces with hundreds of needles from their kavadi. Kavadi is a structure that weighs at least 20 to 23 kg and that they carry as an offering to the deity. It is called a form of self-mortification. Along the way, tens of thousands of onlookers cheer the runners on and chant prayers.
Lantern Festival
One of the most well-known celebrations in Singapore is the lantern festival, often known as the spring lantern festival. It is the last day of the Chinese New Year holiday (the 15th day). The children carry paper lanterns outside on this day, light them, and release them into the sky. While some paper lanterns are plain and conventional, others come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Kids can even take quizzes on some of them. Several lanterns lighting up the night sky are a lovely sight.
Hari Raya Puasa
In Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa, a traditional and regional form of Eid, signifies the completion of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. This well-known Singaporean celebration honours Prophet Ibrahim’s faith in God and his readiness to offer up his own son in the sacrifice of the Almighty. Muslims dress in new clothes on this day, and they begin the day by going to the closest mosque to pray and hear the sermon. The remainder of the day is then spent enjoying a substantial home-cooked meal and spending time with relatives. Additionally, animals, including goats, sheep, and cows, are sacrificed during the celebration of this religious holiday.
Hungry Ghost Festival
The Buddhists and Taoists observe the Hungry Ghost Festival on the fifteenth night of the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. It is thought that ghosts emerged from the lower realms during this time. During this event in Singapore, people visit the cemeteries to pay their respects to their departed loved ones and ancestors and to bring them food. In addition, offerings are given to the spirits of the dead to meet their material needs even after they have passed on. If the spirits are ignored, it is stated that they cause trouble. The abundance of entertainment options available to the public makes the ghost festival in Singapore special. During the festival, huge tents are erected, and numerous live performances are held. The celebration is also known as Yulan Festival or Zhongyuan Festival.
Singapore River Festival
The Singapore River Festival, one of Singapore’s most well-known events, lasts for a week and takes place every year in September or October. This festival, which takes place in Singapore, one of the world’s top tourist destinations, features a variety of cultures, arts, music, and dance performances by the water in Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Empress Place, and Robertson Quay. International musicians and DJs stay in the area for the duration of the festival to ensure that all outdoor parties are rocking, and parades and performances add elegance to the festival, which attracts a lot of tourists and residents.