A 3 in 1 Cultural Feast in Singapore

Visitors travelling to Singapore from September through to November will be able to immerse themselves in the traditions, history and vibrancy of three colourful cultural celebrations – the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, the Indian celebration of Deepavali, and the Malay festivities of Hari Raya.

“Much of Singapore’s popularity as a holiday destination is largely due to its cultural diversity and it is one of the places were people of different cultural and religious backgrounds live side by side in peace and harmony,” said Mr Kevin Leong, Regional Director, Singapore Tourism Board.

“From September to November each of Singapore’s key cultural enclaves – Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam – will come alive with religious festivities and celebrations and there is no better time for holiday makers to visit and truly immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry that makes our island nation so unique,” added Mr Leong.

The Mid Autumn Festival will take place from 8 – 30 September and festivities will stretch from Chinatown through to the Singapore River. The actual festival occurs on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, but celebrations are conducted throughout the month as legend states the Festival was first staged in China to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.

Over time it has evolved into one of Singapore’s most popular celebrations symbolising family unity. Also known as the ‘mooncake festival’, visitors are able to sample the traditional mooncakes filled with lotus seed paste, or new fusion versions with chocolate and even ice-cream while soaking up the vibrant street market atmosphere. Adorning the streets will be over arching fairy lights and mass displays of lanterns.

Key highlights include: Festive Bazaars (8-25 Sep); Festive Street Light-Ups (8-30 Sep); Nightly Stage Show (11-25 Sep) and Mass Lantern Walk and Celebrations by the River (22 Sep).

Hari Raya Light-Up & Celebrations will take place from 8 September through to 21 October. The festival – one of the most significant for Muslims – marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

The original seat of Malay royalty and now a bustling area, Kampong Glam will celebrate the theme ‘Harmony in Diversity’ and stage events including street bazaars, cultural performances and its largest and most elaborate light-up so far.

Experience the Ramadan trail of Kampong Glam and make sure you don’t miss the weekend cultural shows at the Malay Heritage Centre.

Deepavali Celebrations will take place from the 12 October until 18 November. Known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, it is the most important festival in the Hindu Calendar as it proclaims the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness.

During this season, the temples and streets of Little India are lit with streamers and dazzling lights, with special highlights being the Sri Veeramakaliamman, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman and Sri Srinivasa Permual temples.

Campbell Lane is transformed into a festive bazaar, brimming with stalls offering colourful Indian outfits, intricate jewellery, costumes, arts and crafts, and deliciously tempting food. 

Other highlights during the festive period include the Navarathiri Festival (11 – 21 October) (meaning nine nights) which honours the Mother Goddess, and the Thimidhi or Fire Walking festival (29 October), honouring the Goddess Draupadi.

To enjoy a 3 in 1 cultural feast in Singapore, Qantas Holidays is offering packages starting from $1192* (ex Perth), $1348* (ex Adelaide), $1423* (ex Melbourne), $1433* (ex Brisbane) and $1441* (ex Sydney) which includes return economy class airfares, 4 nights at the Peninsula Excelsior in a Superior Room, late check-out to 3pm, return transfers, plus your choice of one free sightseeing tour – a Half Day City Tour; Uniquely Shop & Eat Tour; Night Safari or Footsteps at Raffles tour.  

For further information about Singapore, log onto www.visitsingapore.com or contact the Singapore Tourism Board on (02) 9290 2888.

Report by The Mole