lemiA “salad bowl” rather than a melting pot of cultures, Singapore is a diverse city-state known as one of the world’s top destinations
Viva La Fiesta: Singapore
Singapore
No two countries celebrate in the same way, not even for the same occasion. As part of the Viva La Fiesta, let’s take a look at the Lion City: Singapore. Singapore is one of the younger countries in the world, having gained independence from Malaysia in 1965. Since then, it has experienced rapid growth and has so much to be celebrated. The city-state is culturally rich with a population of Chinese, Malay, and Indian-Singaporeans. There’s almost never a dull time in the land of the Merlion!
Taste every flavor Singapore has to offer at the Singapore Food Festival in its signature event, Streat, held at the Promontory by Marina Bay. Not only do you get to try every dish, but you also learn how to make them yourself at the workshops held by the Singapore Tourism Board.
Little India, Singapore
Come to the Bedok Reservoir in May and see the ultimate display of strength and discipline—and sticky rice dumplings. Watch the best competitive rowers from all over the world collide in Singapore’s Dragon Boat Festival as you drink realgar wine and enjoy a sticky rice dumpling or two.
Bedok Reservoir, Singapore
If you’re squeamish and even the slightest bit thin-skinned, you should probably skip the Thaipusam festival that parades down Keong Saik Road in February. Worshippers of Murugan pierce their tongues with skewers and decorate their bare backs with shiny, pointy ornaments to commemorate Shiva answering their prayers.
Keong Saik Rd., Singapore
Similar to Mexico’s Day of the Dead, the Taoist and Buddhists of Singapore celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival—a day where the spirits of the dearly departed supposedly walk the earth. There are live opera performances and huge dinner parties set up in the Ang Mo Kio, just make sure you don’t step on any food offerings on your way there.
Ang Mo Kio, Singapore
Every Singaporean has experienced the two-week-long festivities of the Chinese New Year that end in the much-awaited Lantern Festival at the end of January. In Chinatown, thousands of lanterns are lit up into the night sky as an offering to the princess in the moon, a famous Chinese folk tale.
- +65 6534 8942
Pagoda Street, Singapore
- https://www.chinatown.sg/
Sometime in late October to early November, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple comes alive with hundreds of worshippers spreading good cheer to all during Diwali. Diwali is the happiest day to Hindu believers as it signifies the triumph of good over evil.
- +65 6293 4634
141 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218042
For two weekends in August, The Bras Basah Complex and other cultural heritage sites turn into mini raves for the Singapore Night Festival in celebration of the nation’s culture. Catch the modern presentations and performances by international artists in this mid-summer event to see a different side of Singapore.
- +65 9111 3257
231 Bain Street, Singapore
- https://www.brasbasahcomplex.com/
Try the Vesak Day celebrations for a quiet, self-meditating kind of festival. For the first two weeks of May, followers of Buddhism solemnly pray at temples like the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery. It’s a great cultural experience to realign and re-center yourself.
- +65 6259 6924
184 Jalan Toa Payoh, Singapore 319944
All of Singapore celebrates the day the country achieved its independence every 9th of August 9. On the eve of Singapore’s National Day, you’ll want to be by Marina Bay to see all the public displays of culture, diversity, heritage, and the breathtaking fireworks show over the waters, of course!
Marina Bay, Singapore
Taste every flavor Singapore has to offer at the Singapore Food Festival in its signature event, Streat, held at the Promontory by Marina Bay. Not only do you get to try every dish, but you also learn how to make them yourself at the workshops held by the Singapore Tourism Board.
11 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018940
About Singapore
