Travel in Singapore would not be complete without taking in some of the many festivals that help define this multi-cultural county. The most prominent of these is the Chinese New Year Festival which is usually held in February. For 42 days! The island is alive in vibrant red tinsel and street decorations.
The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates a Chinese folk hero and is held on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese calendar. Rice dumplings are eaten as part of this celebration but here in Singapore for this festival they are wrapped in pandan leaves. The exciting dragon boat races take place on the Singapore River on this day. The Hungry Ghost Festival is observed by the living gathering to fill themselves to the brim while enjoying watching Chinese plays and opera.
The Mid Autumn Festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (Sept./Oct. ). Liberally graced with elaborate lantern decorations, this is found most in evidence at Jurong’s Chinese Garden. Moon cakes which are filled with a mixture of red bean paste and nuts are the traditional fare of this delicious festival.
Deepavali the Hindu festival of Lights is held around October or November and is a lovely brightly lit event.
Hari Raya Puasa, as they call it here is the Islamic month of Ramadan and is another brightly lit festival celebrated especially in the Malay, East coast region.