Singapore - From September to February, the island of Singapore lights up with Chinese lanterns, tiny fairy lights and multi-coloured displays as it celebrates an array of festivals drawn from the traditions of its ethnic groups, Chinese, Malay and Indian.
From now until 12 November, visitors can truly immerse themselves in Singapore‘s rich culture and heritage and gain their own uniquely personal experience and understanding of local customs by joining one of the free walking tours in Singapore‘s ethnic enclaves of Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and Little India that are available to coincide with the festivals.
And from 12 November through to the New Year, visitors can also take advantage of a free open top bus Christmas Light Up Tour* for a fantastic view of Singapore‘s “Fairy Tale Christmas” light-up which this year tells a love story between a Toy Soldier and a Ballerina.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, 8 September – 21 October
Two spectacular light-up ceremonies for Hari Raya Aidilfitri will take place on 8 September at Geylang Serai, and on 9 September at Kampong Glam. The light-ups continue until 21 October, which marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. A highlight at both districts during the festival period will be the traditional and lively street bazaars, at which fantastic bargains from handicrafts, textiles and fashions can be picked up, In Kampong Glam, the Malay Heritage Centre will be the focal point of the festival, with weekend performances, bazaars and cultural demonstrations.
Mid-Autumn Festival, 8 – 30 September 2007
Chinatown and Singapore River will also be transformed with a multitude of lanterns, street lighting and festive bazaars for the Mid-Autumn Festival. 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. This year, Chinatown will become a magical fairyland filled with lanterns and musical fairies. To complement the main festivities in Chinatown for the very first time, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum will showcase lantern art by local schoolchildren. As part of the celebrations along Singapore River, there will also be a unique lantern display of 100 Chinese surnames and cultural performances at Hong Lim Park.
Deepavali, 12 October - 18 November 2007
A tenth of Singapore‘s population is Indian, many of whom are Hindu. From 12 October, Little India comes alive with a burst of lights and street carnivals to usher in Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights. The festival marks the triumph of good over evil and many homes light up oil lamps to usher in light and good fortune.
Theemidhi Festival, “Walking over fire”, 29 October
Part of the Deepavali celebrations, witness a breathtaking display of courage, endurance and faith as devotees walk across a bed of burning coals in Singapore‘s oldest Hindu temple. Participants fast and pray for months in preparation for the fire-walking ceremony which honours the Goddess Draupadi who, legend has it, walked barefoot over hot coals to prove her innocence and fidelity.
Christmas in the Tropics, 12 November – Early January 2008
Singapore is perhaps one of the most spectacular cities in the world to celebrate Christmas when it hosts Christmas in the Tropics. The city prides itself on having the longest running celebration with spectacular feasts, concerts and count-down parties. During the last two weeks of November, buskers line Orchard Road, Singapore‘s premier shopping street, providing free festive performances while shoppers search for the perfect Christmas gifts. The theme for this year‘s Christmas Light-Up is “A Fairy Tale Christmas” with wonderful lights and decorations depicting a love story between a Toy Soldier and a Ballerina. Their love story continues in lights throughout Orchard Road and down to the Marina Bay area, ending at Singapore‘s spectacular Esplanade – Theatres by The Bay.
Chinese New Year, 7 – 21 February 2008 (Year of the Rat)
Chinese New Year is the biggest festival celebrated in Singapore. Symbolised by rich red decorations and age-old traditions such as the reunion dinner, fifteen days of celebration brings together the Chinese and non-Chinese in a spirit of togetherness. One of the key highlights of the festival is the Singapore River Hongbao. The marina promenade is transformed into a Chinese cultural village where visitors can look forward to an amazing line-up of performances, festivities and activities whilst learning about Chinese culture. A fitting finale to the celebrations is the Chingay Parade of Dreams. With technicolour floats, lavishly costumed performers, rhythmic music and thousands of spectators, there‘s little wonder why it is considered Asia‘s grandest street and floats parade.
Key Dates
Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations 2007 at Geylang Serai: 8 September – 21 October
Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations 2007 at Kampong Glam: 9 September – 21 October
Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival Light-Up 2007: 8 September – 30 September
Mid-Autumn Festival by the River: 13 September - 30 September
Deepavali Light-Up 2007: 12 October – 18 November
Christmas in the Tropics 2007: 12 November – January
Chinese New Year 2008: 7 – 21 February
* There will be six Christmas Light-Up Tours each night from 7.30pm to 10pm. Visitors will receive a free boarding pass upon presentation of a valid passport at the Singapore Visitors Centres at Changi Airport, Orchard Road and other selected distribution points. No tours will take place on the eves of Christmas and New Year.
Source: www.easier.com (15 September 2007)
