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Singapore is a multicultural city where “East meets West” in a splendid fashion. It has many areas divided by the ethnicity of the people such as Chinatown and Little India and the country has four official languages. Therefore, you will always come across many festivals and celebrations of all kinds.

Buddhist Festivals

The main Buddhist holiday that is celebrated is Vesak Day in May and it marks the enlightenment and death of the Buddha. On this day you will find many devotees visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple to light many lamps and lanterns and offer fresh fragrant flowers. You will best be able to witness this beautiful site by staying at an accommodation such as Hotel 81 Cosy, which is one of the most affordable and pleasant mid-range hotels Singapore has to offer.

Hindu Festivals

There are many Hindu festivals that are celebrated throughout the year such as Pongal in January, where cooked rice is offered traditionally to the deities to thank them for a bountiful harvest. Little India is the place to visit during this time to see how wonderfully the place is lit up. Deepavali, the festival of lights, is another significant festival that falls in October or November. It is a great time to visit and see the celebrations.

Chinese Festivals

Chinese New Year Decoration in Singapore | Image by RM Bulseco via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 DEED

Chinese New Year is widely celebrated in Singapore with nonstop excitement, fireworks, and plenty of sales. The streets of Chinatown are lined with lanterns, gold and red decorations, dazzling lights, sounds, and smells of Chinese foods and snacks. Be sure to witness a Dragon dance as it is a truly special sight to see. Another important festival to see is the Dragon Boat Festival, which is held usually either in the months of May or June. During the festival, dragon boats race each other as part of the festivities.

Christian and Muslim Festivals

Christmas is a popular celebration in Singapore, especially along Orchard Road. During this festive season, the entire street is adorned with Christmas-themed decorations and illuminated by a parade of lights. Giant Christmas trees are also put up, adding to the holiday cheer. On the other hand, the end of Ramadan is celebrated as Hari Raya Puasa by the Muslim community. This celebration marks the end of a month-long period of fasting and prayer. During Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims gather to feast and bond with their families and friends.

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