Singapore celebrates a rich multi-cultural heritage

Visitors to Singapore are in for a treat this August to November as Singapore sparkles with three festivals observed by the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities – Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Mid-Autumn Festival and Deepavali respectively – in quick succession. Reflecting Singapore’s unique multi-cultural heritage, the ethnic districts of Kampong Glam, Geylang Serai, Chinatown and Little India will come alive in an explosion of colour, street lights, festive bazaars, cultural performances and events.

“Today’s travellers are increasingly looking for ways to directly experience and become involved with a country’s culture and customs” said STB’s Area Director for Northern and Western Europe, Divya Panickar. “By celebrating these special occasions with the locals, visitors will be immersed in the rich traditions of Singapore’s unique heritage.”

The Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations kick things off at the end of August with celebrations in two locations. A colourful street light-up at Geylang Serai will feature a batik and kampong roof theme, fusing nostalgic and traditional elements with bright lights, arches and set-pieces decorating the streets. Visitors can join the crowds in the extensive street bazaars and be mesmerized by the sheer volume of items ranging from Malay delicacies and festive fare to traditional clothing, trinkets and decorative items.

Meanwhile, at Kampong Glam, the historic seat of Malay royalty in the heart of the city, thousands of sparkling fairy lights will adorn the streets and stalls will offer a wide selection of local festive Malay cuisine, traditional handicrafts and other goods. Visitors can participate in the breaking of the fast, or Iftar, at the compound of the Sultan Mosque and Muscat Street, or enjoy a weekend programme of cultural activities from ketupat-weaving demonstrations to Malay dances, traditional Malay martial arts (or Silat), and Kompang performances at the Malay Heritage Centre. The celebrations at Kampong Glam are from 24 August to 5 October and at Geylang Serai are from 30 August to 12 October.

Chinatown will be the central attraction for the Mid-Autumn Festival (31 Aug – 30 Sept), with colourful lanterns, lights, bazaars and fireworks. The celebration is a Chinese tradition where families and friends gather for reunions, enjoying mooncakes and sipping tea while viewing the moon at its fullest and brightest. Joining the celebrations are the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, Hong Lim Park, Singapore River, Albert Mall and the Chinese Garden.

Little India completes the celebrations with the Deepavali Light-Up and festivities (20 Sept – 2 Nov). Popularly known as the “Festival of Lights”, Deepavali is a time for rejoicing and renewal as Hindus all over the world celebrate the triumph of good over evil and many homes light up little lamps to usher in light and good fortune. During this time, Little India will be bathed in dazzling lights, while its streets will resound with the bustle of the festive bazaars and lively cultural activities and performances. Festive highlights include Navarathiri or the Nine Nights Festival (30 Sept – 8 Oct), Theemithi or the Fire Walking Festival (20 Oct), the spectacular UTSAV Street Parade (24 Oct), and a jubilant Countdown Concert (26 Oct) to herald in Deepavali.

One of the best ways to soak in the atmosphere during the festivals is to take one of the free guided walking tours organised by the Singapore Tourism Board. In Kampong Glam, visitors can discover traditional Indonesian/Malay herbal remedies, try on batik or Malay costumes, and enjoy the heady scents of customised fragrances made of essential oils. The Chinatown tour explains the legends, customs and practices behind the Mid-Autumn Festival, and includes mouth watering opportunities to sample mooncakes and fragrant Chinese tea. The walking tour of Little India provides a fascinating journey into the meaning of the Deepavali celebrations. Visitors will learn how to wear a sari, understand the meaning behind henna-painting, watch flower-garland making demonstrations, and catch cultural performances at the temples during Navarathiri.

In 2008, the three festivals coincide with the inaugural 2008 FORMULA 1TM SingTel Singapore Grand Prix race period, giving visitors to this exciting event – the first ever F1 Grand Prix at night - a chance to experience the harmonious blend of cultures and traditions within a modern, cosmopolitan society that makes Singapore unique.

To find out more about Singapore, log on to Stb.gov.sg.