Singapore has several festivals throughout the year to celebrate its diverse culture and heritage. These festivals mirror the country's rich, varied culture and provide an opportunity for visitors to get a first-hand experience of its rich cultural history and diversity. In this blog, we look at some of the famous festivals in Singapore.
Best Festivals in Singapore
Singapore is an island nation with many commendable festivals that depict its cultural diversity. Below is a list of recommended festivals that any traveller should not miss while planning a trip to Singapore.
1. Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is the most famous festival in Singapore, especially for the Chinese people. It is the traditional Chinese New Year celebrated with family reunions, dragon dances, and fireworks. Homes are decorated, and children receive red boxes containing money.
2. Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival mainly celebrated by the Tamil people and is a day full of devotion. Devotees from many parts of the country carry ‘Kavadis’, a wooden or metal structure, as a form of sacrifice. It is a memorable and significant cultural festival in Singapore held every year.
3. Vesak Day
Vesak Day is generally identified as Buddha Purnima and celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Buddhists and Malayans visit temples to offer prayers to honour the day. Houses and temples are lit, and candle processions are taken through the streets.
4. Hari Raya Puasa
This is the popular name for Eid al-Fitr, or 'Feast of Breaking the Fast', and it follows a time of fasting in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The festival involves praying and savouring delicious food with family and friends for the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore.
5. Dragon Boat Festival
This Chinese festival is dedicated to the ancient poet Qu Yuan. This is held in June and is characterised by what is sometimes called the bumper week of dragon boat racing and the rice dumplings known as the ‘zongzi’.
6. Hari Raya Haji
The day commemorates the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son on the orders of the God. The day, also known as Eid-al-Adha, is celebrated by Muslims in Singapore by offering prayers and sacrificing animals that symbolise the prophet’s obedience to God. The meat is distributed among neighbours, relatives and the needy.
7. National Day
National Day is held on August 9th and celebrates Singapore’s independence. It is a day of pride and happiness, with the National Day Parade, cultural performances, and fireworks being the highlights of the event.
8. Deepavali
Make your way to the south and celebrate Deepavali among the Hindu-Indians of Singapore. Houses and streets are illuminated and oil lamps are lit to mark the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
9. Christmas
Christmas in Singapore is celebrated with great pomp and show. The major festivity is at Orchard Road, with Christmas markets, light shows, Christmas trees, and festive buffets, attracting a large crowd.
Conclusion
Festivals in Singapore showcase the country's different facets of culture, allowing tourists to witness the rich cultural legacy and diversity of the Island nation. While travelling to attend these festivals, it is recommended that you get appropriate travel insurance online for financial protection against unforeseen events.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.