TRADITIONS IN SINGAPORE

Overview: Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the Tamil community in Singapore. Devotees perform various acts of devotion, including piercing their bodies with elaborate structures called kavadis, as they walk from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple.
Website: N/A
When/Where: Typically in January or February, starting at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and ending at the Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple.
Highlights: Colorful processions, elaborate kavadis, traditional music and dance.

Overview: Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a major celebration in Singapore’s Chinese community. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year with vibrant parades, dragon dances, family reunions, and the giving of red envelopes (hongbao).
Website: N/A
When/Where: Falls between January 21 and February 20, celebrated across the island with a focus on Chinatown.
Highlights: Lion and dragon dances, festive decorations, traditional Chinese feasts.

Overview: Hari Raya Puasa, or Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan for the Muslim community. It’s a time for feasting, prayer, and visiting family and friends. Homes are adorned with lights and decorations, and traditional cookies (kuih) are shared.
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When/Where: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, with festivities and prayers at mosques throughout Singapore.
Highlights: Open houses, feasting, traditional Malay attire.

Overview: Vesak Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Devotees visit temples for prayers, engage in acts of charity, and participate in processions. The festival promotes peace and compassion.
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When/Where: Usually in May, observed at Buddhist temples, with a major celebration at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery.
Highlights: Candlelight processions, floral baths for Buddha statues, acts of kindness.

Overview: Deepavali, or Diwali, is the Festival of Lights celebrated by the Indian community. Homes are illuminated with lamps, and families engage in prayers, feasting, and the exchange of sweets. Little India transforms into a vibrant display of lights and decorations.
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When/Where: Usually in October or November, with festivities concentrated in Little India.
Highlights: Light displays, cultural performances, festive markets.

Overview: The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is a celebration of the harvest season. Families gather to appreciate the full moon, enjoy mooncakes, and participate in lantern processions. Gardens by the Bay hosts a popular lantern display.
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When/Where: Typically in September or October, celebrated in homes and public spaces like Gardens by the Bay.
Highlights: Lantern processions, mooncake tastings, cultural performances.

Overview: The Hungry Ghost Festival is a Taoist and Buddhist belief that spirits are released from the afterlife. Various rituals and performances are held to appease these spirits. Getai (live stage performances) are common in neighborhoods.
Website: N/A
When/Where: Usually in August, with neighborhood celebrations across Singapore.
Highlights: Getai performances, traditional rituals, offerings to spirits.

Overview: Celebrating Singapore’s independence, the National Day Parade is a grand event featuring military displays, cultural performances, and a spectacular fireworks show. It fosters national pride and unity.
Website: National Day Parade
When/Where: August 9th, with the main parade held at the Padang and celebrations island-wide.
Highlights: Fireworks display, military precision drills, cultural showcases.

Overview: Chingay is a multicultural street parade featuring vibrant floats, costumed performers, and cultural displays. It is the largest street performance and float parade in Asia, showcasing Singapore’s diversity.
Website: Chingay Parade
When/Where: Usually in January or February, held at the F1 Pit Building and along the Marina Bay area.
Highlights: Grand floats, cultural performances, elaborate costumes.

Overview: The Singapore Arts Festival is an annual event that celebrates various forms of art, including theater, dance, music, and visual arts. It showcases both local and international talent.
Website: Singapore Arts Festival
When/Where: Dates vary; performances held at various venues such as the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
Highlights: Diverse art performances, workshops, exhibitions.

Overview: Kuda Kepang is a traditional Javanese dance accompanied by traditional music. Performers reenact scenes from the Ramayana while riding woven bamboo horses. It is often featured in cultural events and festivals.
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When/Where: Occurs during cultural events and celebrations, such as the Pesta Raya festival.
Highlights: Colorfully decorated “horses,” rhythmic music, cultural storytelling.

Overview: Wayang Kulit, or shadow puppetry, is a traditional form of storytelling using intricately crafted leather puppets. Stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata are narrated through the shadows cast on a screen.
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When/Where: Performed during cultural events, temple celebrations, and traditional festivals.
Highlights: Intricate puppet designs, traditional gamelan music, cultural storytelling.

Overview: The Peranakans, also known as Straits Chinese, have unique wedding customs. Ceremonies include the exchange of gifts, traditional attire (kebaya), and symbolic rituals. The Peranakan Museum provides insights into this cultural heritage.
Website: Peranakan Museum
When/Where: Peranakan weddings are private but aspects are showcased in cultural events and museum exhibits.
Highlights: Colorful attire, intricate ceremonies, cultural preservation.

Overview: Malay weddings in Singapore are vibrant affairs filled with rituals, traditional attire, and communal feasting. The cultural richness is showcased through ceremonies such as the “bersanding” (sitting in state).
Website: N/A
When/Where: Private ceremonies, but aspects may be observed during cultural events.
Highlights: Traditional attire, ceremonial rituals, communal feasting.

Overview: The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated by the Chinese community. Traditionally associated with dragon boat races, it also involves eating zongzi (rice dumplings) and honoring the poet Qu Yuan.
Website: N/A
When/Where: Usually in June, with dragon boat races held at various locations including Marina Bay.
Highlights: Dragon boat races, zongzi-making, cultural performances.