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Cultural Festivals and Events in Singapore: A Newcomer’s Guide

Singapore is a vibrant country with wide variety of cultures and traditions that offers many visuals of festivals and events. Being a newcomer to the place, getting to know these celebrations is a perfect way to understand their culture and thereby feel more connected to their people and community. If you are consideing to move to this place, then collaborating with the best moving companies and availing their top relocation services in Singapore would be worth considering.

Here’s a list of some of the must-experience cultural festivals and events in Singapore.

  1. Chinese New Year

Marvel at the flurry of celebrations that take place during the Chinese New Year in Singapore, and catch a glimpse of a few dancing lions. Chinese New Year, which is observed for a full 15 days, ushers in a new lunar calendar. This charming Singapore festivals night has the entire island decked out in red lights. In addition, the island is radiant with Chinese characters on the streets and a joyous atmosphere. This is Singapore’s greatest celebration of the Chinese New Year.

This festival, which is observed on the second new moon following the winter solstice, starts with people cleaning their homes to purge bad energy. Prepare to be mesmerised by the lights and celebrations as you stroll through the night markets. Families get closer during Chinese New Year as they share food and offer prayers to their ancestors.

  1. Thaipusam

You have to see this well-known Hindu celebration to believe it. Carrying massive kavadi, or portable shrines, male Hindu devotees walk three kilometres from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thandayuthapani Temple as an act of penance and a request for pardon from the gods.

Spikes and skewers puncture the devotee’s body to carry the kavadi, which they typically wear on their bodies but occasionally drag like a chariot. Around the kavadi-bearer, his supporters congregate, chanting prayers and cheering him on as he goes. Attendees are welcome to this fascinating, nonsensical ceremony, which takes place throughout the day.

  1. Navratri

The whole month of October is dedicated to this Hindu celebration, but nine nights are set aside as extra-special celebration days. Navarathiri, which translates to “nine lights” in Tamil, is a festival honouring the Hindu goddesses Saraswathi, Lakshmi, and Dhurga. The occasion is marked by special prayers and evening presentations of traditional Indian music and dance at Singapore’s numerous Indian temples.

The main attraction of the celebrations is the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple on Tank Road, which resounds with music from worship, dancing, and celebration for nine nights. On the tenth night, there is a colourful procession of Hindu devotees led by a stunning, glittering horse.

  1. National Day

National Day, which commemorates Singapore’s independence day, is an occasion to celebrate freedom in general. Consider yourself in the best of spirits on National Day if you find yourself falling in love with red and white everywhere you go. There are parades to show off the army’s discipline and unity. And in Singapore, people adore celebrating these festivals.

In addition, a spectacular showcase of international song and dance performances draws people in from all directions. You won’t want to leave, too, because of the amazing fireworks, stunning displays, and lively energy.

  1. Hari Raya Haji

Hari Raya Haji, also referred to as the festival of sacrifice, is a well-known celebration in Singapore that honours Prophet Ibrahim’s faith in God and his readiness to offer his own son as a sacrifice on his behalf. To offer prayers and hear sermons, the pious dress in traditional attire and visit mosques.

In a ritual known as “Korban,” cows, sheep, lambs, and goats are sacrificed for God, even though it is essentially a celebration. Muslims visit each other’s homes and chat over sumptuous meals after the sacrificial animal is cleaned and prepared for consumption. 

  1. Singapore River Festival

Every year for a week, the Singapore Festival, also known as the River Festival, is a vibrant display of various cultures, arts, music, and dance by the water in Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Empress Place, and Robertson Quay along the Singapore River. Speaking of, this festival features DJs grooving it up, magicians, and enjoyable parades that will make you sway and be grateful for life. If you happen to be in Singapore in September or October, you really should not miss this festival.

While you’re at it, you can also express your appreciation for dining, entertainment, and delicious food. One-of-a-kind events, the Singapore River Festival allows you to unwind and forget about the outside world for a week.

  1. Chingay

You may be surprised to learn that this is the biggest float parade and street show in Asia. The Lunar New Year is celebrated in Singapore with the Singapore Festival and Chingay Parade. Get swept up in the revelry with costumes and masquerades. The Chinese term “chingay” refers to the practice of dressing up and masquerading. Thus, the festivities.


You really must attend this yearly extravaganza to see an amazing fusion of various cultures celebrating life. People of different ethnicities put on a massive cultural performance that includes dance and music. You may be surprised to learn that this is the biggest float parade and street show in Asia.

Conclusion

Singapore’s cultural festivals and events are endless. Each of them offers a unique window showcasing the rich tapestry of this vibrant place. As a beginner here, you can indulge in the festivals thereby making you familiar with their culture and traditions and meet new people also. Be it the National Day or the Thaipusam, each is sure to offer you with a unique experience.

So when you are planning to relocate to Singapore, it is vital to consider taking help from relocation services in Singapore that will make your travel seamless. One of the best international relocation companies in Singapore, HelpXpat is always available to help you out through the process of relocation. Be it from transferring your items to finding suitable homes for you in the new place, we are there for you. As the best relocation companies in Singapore, we help you to integrate into the new place by making you aware of all the culture and events of the new place.

 

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