Experience Multiculturalism with Singapore Festivals. Singapore is a country where “East meets West.” The city’s culture is remarkably diverse, encompassing Asian and European influences. Singapore has many districts based on ethnic groups, such as Little India and Chinatown.
Singapore’s cultural diversity is so vast that it has four official languages. As a peaceful nation that fully respects human rights and equality, it has attracted many immigrants over the years. Therefore, it is no surprise that many of Singapore’s events and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
In this article, stay with us on the Sepehran blog.
List of Popular Festivals in Singapore:
- Pongal Festival
- Chinese New Year
- Lantern Festival
- Dragon Boat Festival
- Singapore National Day
- Diwali (Deepavali)
- Singapore Arts Festival
- Singapore Food Festival
- Singapore Grand Prix Festival
- River Hongbao Festival
- Singapore Fashion Festival
- Singapore International Film Festival
Pongal Festival
Pongal is a four-day seasonal festival widely celebrated in South India. The Indian community in Singapore also celebrates it with grandeur at the beginning of the auspicious Thai month. This festival is a way of thanking the Sun God, Surya, for a bountiful harvest and prosperity. During Pongal, Little India shines with various events and competitions. People also exchange gifts and wear new clothes.
Pongal is held annually from January 14 to January 17. During this time, visit Little India, where some streets transform into small villages and market stalls. Witness cultural dances and the Pongal cooking competition, and visit the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple.
Chinese New Year
The first day of the Chinese New Year is known as the Spring Festival in Singapore. As the festival approaches, the city is adorned with bright colors and lanterns. This is the most significant festival in the Chinese lunar calendar, and people celebrate it with unmatched energy and excitement. The entire city turns red as the festivities continue for 14 days, starting from New Year’s Eve.
During this time, Chinese locals visit their families and decorate their homes in red and gold. They exchange gifts and give children “Hongbao” (red envelopes). Lion and dragon dances are also performed as part of the celebrations.
Between January 25 and January 26, 2020, this spectacular festival showcases the traditional side of modern Singapore. Residents immerse themselves in festivities and entertainment. Head to Chinatown, where the street lights are iconic, and watch performances by lion dancers and fire-breathers. Don’t miss Singapore’s famous Chingay Parade carnival.
Lantern Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival)
Bright lanterns, colorful decorative wreaths, delicious food, and fascinating gatherings adorn Singapore and fill the air with an appetizing aroma. The Lantern Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Singapore. It is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Eastern and Asian celebration held in honor of the moon goddess, Chang’e.
On this day, children carry paper lanterns, light them up, and release them into the sky. Some lanterns are simple and traditional, while others come in different shapes and sizes. Watching multiple lanterns illuminate the night sky is a breathtaking sight. This festival is a must-see experience for tourists. Head to Chinatown to witness thousands of decorated lanterns and enjoy the Chinese Moonfest arts festival performances.
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival (also known as the Duanwu Festival or Zhongxiao Festival) is a Chinese cultural festival that dates back thousands of years. Since it falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, it is also called the “Double Fifth Festival.”
During this festival, dragon-shaped boats race in competitions worldwide, including in Singapore’s Chinese communities. The boats compete at Bedok Reservoir. On this day, people consume sticky rice dumplings (Zongzi) and realgar wine.
This festival usually takes place in late May or the first two weeks of June in the Gregorian calendar. Witness the thrilling races at Bedok Reservoir and the DBS Marina Regatta. There are also fun games to keep the excitement alive before the main competitions.
Singapore National Day
Singapore National Day is one of the most beloved festivals among Singaporeans. They celebrate the day with a grand parade, followed by ballet dances and other entertaining performances, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. Every Singaporean takes pride in their country, its people, and their harmony.
This festival, held annually on August 9, marks Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. The celebrations begin with the National Day Parade.
At the National Day festivities in Marina Bay, the Prime Minister delivers a speech, followed by a breathtaking fireworks show. Be present at Marina Bay to witness Singapore’s aerial fireworks. Don’t forget to grab your “Funpack”!
Diwali (Deepavali)
Deepavali or Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom. It is one of India’s largest and most magnificent festivals, celebrated with grandeur and spectacle. In Singapore, Deepavali is also one of the most important festivals. Just as light triumphs over darkness, goodness conquers evil.
Little India in Singapore comes alive with vibrant colors and dazzling fairy lights. During Diwali, homes are decorated with flowers and plants, entrances are adorned with intricate geometric designs made from colorful powder or flower petals, streets are lined with archways made of dazzling brass lamps, and markets showcase elegant jewelry and scarves.
On this day, the entire area glows with small oil lamps, and the night sky is filled with dazzling fireworks. People wear new clothes and exchange greetings. A visit to Singapore during this festival is incomplete without enjoying live musical performances under the stars in Little India or getting a beautifully intricate henna tattoo.
Diwali is usually celebrated in the last week of October or the first week of November. Join the celebrations and rituals at the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple during the festival.
Singapore International Festival of Arts
Singapore Art Week is a 12-day event held in January, dedicated to visual art enthusiasts. This celebration takes place across multiple locations in Singapore and features various exhibitions, numerous artworks, diverse galleries, public art walks, lifestyle events, and workshops. It is certainly one of Singapore’s must-attend festivals.
The Singapore Arts Festival, encompassing music, theatrical performances, and international and artistic dances, is one of the rare competitions that celebrates such a diverse range of arts on a single platform. There is nothing more fascinating than watching international films, painting contests, and artwork displays at this festival.
Singapore Food Festival
If you are a food lover and a travel enthusiast, the annual Singapore Food Festival might be a heavenly culinary experience for you. Food stall owners certainly know how to take advantage of this opportunity by offering the best of Singapore’s culinary passion through a vast array of multicultural, heritage, and exploratory dining experiences.
This food festival is a perfect blend of over a dozen delightful cultures, featuring traditional, contemporary, local, and international flavors. With a special emphasis on Singaporean cuisine, the Singapore Food Festival primarily focuses on transmitting the country’s culture and heritage while raising awareness through food. Beyond just food, the festival also offers handicraft workshops, culinary demonstrations, and immersive theater experiences.
The grand festival lasts for seventeen days and is divided into four pillars. So, the modernity pillar primarily focuses on contemporary and innovative cuisine, highlighting creative and trendy dishes. The cultural pillar aims to showcase Singapore’s food culture at its best, emphasizing local eating habits and dining traditions.
Finally, the artistic pillar celebrates home-cooked culinary craftsmanship and artistic presentations of food. The last pillar, tradition, revives Singapore’s local heritage, aiming to rediscover and restore old, simple, and traditional cooking methods using raw, organic ingredients.
Singapore Grand Prix Festival
The Singapore Grand Prix is an annual night race held on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. As part of the Formula 1 World Championship, this race showcases thrilling skill, talent, and adrenaline-pumping excitement, attracting thousands of fans to cheer for their favorite drivers. The Singapore Grand Prix is an ultimate attraction for adventure-seekers and motorsport enthusiasts.
With a remarkable lineup of international spectators and entertainment, the Grand Prix is considered the holy grail of motorsports. The festival offers an extraordinary combination of entertainment, exhibitions, carnival games, food and beverages, and family-friendly attractions, making it a perfect holiday destination for people of all ages. After the race, numerous concerts and parties take place, drawing in both locals and tourists alike.
River Hongbao Festival
You will be mesmerized by the oversized lanterns depicting Chinese mythological and legendary figures, intricately crafted by Chinese artisans. The festival features stunning lantern displays, including the God of Fortune and the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Numerous side activities, from amusement entertainment to carnival games, ensure there is never a dull moment. Opera performances and various street acts further enrich this vibrant and colorful festival.
Are you a fan of fireworks? Then you will love the River Hongbao Festival, especially the grand countdown party for the Chinese New Year.
Since 1987, the River Hongbao Festival has been a staple in Singapore’s festive calendar. Held at the NS Square floating platform in Marina Bay, this iconic event has become an integral part of the Lunar New Year celebrations for both locals and tourists. It offers a dynamic cultural experience showcasing the richness of Chinese heritage.
Singapore Fashion Festival
If you are passionate about the latest fashion trends, the Singapore Fashion Festival offers a unique fusion of Asian and European styles. This prominent fashion event is organized by Mercury Marketing & Communications. SGFW (Singapore Fashion Week) primarily focuses on Asian talent and is a major global gathering of leading and emerging designers and brands.
More than 30 brands participate in the festival. The Audi Fashion Festival, part of the Asia Fashion Exchange, serves as a prestigious platform in Singapore, showcasing collections from top and up-and-coming designers, both international and Asian, with the vision of establishing Singapore as the fashion capital of Asia.
Singapore International Film Festival
Whether you are a filmmaker, an art or theater student, a film critic, or simply a cinema enthusiast, the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is an exciting destination for you. SGIFF is Singapore’s most prominent and longest-running film festival, held annually since 1987. The festival was founded to showcase and support local talent—both experienced and emerging—while also presenting international films and positioning Asian cinema on the global stage.
Lasting for 12 days, the festival screens over 200 films from around the world. Recognized by international film critics for its contributions to the Asian film industry, SGIFF has grown in popularity each year, becoming one of Singapore’s most beloved festivals.
This energetic and engaging festival strikes a fine balance between education and entertainment. The diverse range of activities included in the event ensures a fulfilling experience for film lovers. Apart from film screenings, the festival also hosts award ceremonies where outstanding films are honored in various categories. Many of the films showcased here are yet to be released to the public, making SGIFF an excellent opportunity to discover new cinematic masterpieces.
Beyond these major festivals, Singaporeans also celebrate various religious events associated with their traditions. Most Singaporeans celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve. As a multi-ethnic society, the people of Singapore take great pride in commemorating a wide range of cultural and religious festivals.
