2011 Festivals
Hari Raya Adilfitri
30 August 2011
Also known as Hari Raya Puasa, this Muslim festival marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting and abstinence. Colourfully lit stalls packed with festive goods and traditional clothes at bazaars will be open from early afternoon till late into the night. Venue: Geylang Serai & Kampong Glam
Mid-Autumn Festival
12 September 2011
Commonly known as the Mooncake festival because of the moon-shaped pastries sold during this period, the Mid-Autumn Festival commemorates both the legend of the lady on the moon, Chang’e, and the folk tale of peasants overthrowing a tyrannical government by communicating via hidden messages in mooncakes. Many children go on walks with paper lanterns after dark and the Lantern Festival at the Chinese Gardens showcases many colourful lanterns. Venue: Chinese Gardens
Hari Raya Haji
6 November 2011
This Muslim festival commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in the name of God. A day of sacrifice and charity, Muslims make every effort to see that no one remains hungry on this holy day. Bazaars and decorations are also set up for this festival. Venue: Geylang Serai & Kampong Glam
Deepavali
26 October 2011
The Festival of Lights celebrates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. In Little India, shops and streets are lavishly decorated with lights, garlands and arches. Not only will Little India host a range of cultural performances, there will also be events like the Heritage and Craft Exhibition. Venue: Little India
Christmas
25 December 2011
As Orchard Road gears up for the festive season, not only do stores start offering Christmas specials but the roads get lit up. Many malls decorate their façades too, bringing Christmas cheer to the tropics. Keep an eye out for remarkable decorations like the 16m tall Christmas tree. Venue: Orchard Road
2012 Festivals
Chinese New Year
23 & 24 January 2012
The heart of the Chinese New Year festivities is, of course, Chinatown with more than 500 stalls selling traditional foods and various Chinese New Year goods at the sprawling bazaar. Nightly cultural performances are also held at the River Hong Bao event at Marina Promenade. Do note that most stores are closed on Chinese New Year. Venue: Chinatown and Marina Promenade & Sentosa
Chingay
3 & 4 February 2012
Due to its popularity, there are now two spectacles over the weekend for this annual night street parade. See dazzling floats, dances, acrobatic performances and more in a mesmerising blaze of colours and lights. Venue: Formula 1 Pit Building
Thaipusam
7 February 2012
Devotees go on a street procession carrying a heavy steel or wooden arc (kavadi) that is pierced through and supported by the devotee’s back as an act of devotion, thanksgiving or penance to Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity. Venue: Serangoon Road
Vesak Day
5 May 2012
A date commemorating the birth and enlightenment of Buddha, devotees gather to witness the ritualistic bathing of Buddha’s statue. Temples are decorated with flowers and lights, and mass candlelight processions are held. Venue: Various Buddhist temples including Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple, Siong Lim Temple and The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum & Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
Dragon Boat Festival
23 June 2012
When the famed Chinese poet Qu Yuan drowned himself, triangular dumplings were said to have been thrown into the river to stop the fish from eating his body. The villagers were also said to have beaten the river water with their oars, giving rise to the dragon boat race tradition. The triangular dumplings are sold widely during this period of time and a dragon boat race is held at Kallang River. Venue: Kallang River & Bedok Reservoir
Hari Raya Adilfitri
19 August 2012
Also known as Hari Raya Puasa, this Muslim festival marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting and abstinence. Colourfully lit stalls packed with festive goods and traditional clothes at bazaars will be open from early afternoon till late into the night. Venue: Geylang Serai & Kampong Glam
Mid-Autumn Festival
30 September 2012
Commonly known as the Mooncake festival because of the moon-shaped pastries sold during this period, the Mid-Autumn Festival commemorates both the legend of the lady on the moon, Chang’e, and the folk tale of peasants overthrowing a tyrannical government by communicating via hidden messages in mooncakes. Many children go on walks with paper lanterns after dark and the Lantern Festival at the Chinese Gardens showcases many colourful lanterns.
Venue: Chinese Gardens
Hari Raya Haji
26 October 2012
This Muslim festival commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in the name of God. A day of sacrifice and charity, Muslims make every effort to see that no one remains hungry on this holy day. Bazaars and decorations are also set up for this festival. Venue: Geylang Serai & Kampong Glam
Deepavali
13 November 2012
The Festival of Lights celebrates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. In Little India, shops and streets are lavishly decorated with lights, garlands and arches. Not only will Little India host a range of cultural performances, there will also be events like the Heritage and Craft Exhibition. Venue: Little India
Christmas
25 December 2012
As Orchard Road gears up for the festive season, not only do stores start offering Christmas specials but the roads get lit up. Many malls decorate their façades too, bringing Christmas cheer to the tropics. Keep an eye out for remarkable decorations like the 16m tall Christmas tree. Venue: Orchard Road
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