Singapore City Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015
(Singapore City, Republic of Singapore)
Singapore is home to an array of cultures - Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan and Tamil - and they all celebrate facets of their heritage with colourful festivals and events. The Chinese in particular have lots going on, including the ever- boisterous Chinese New Year.
Singapore also hosts major world events, including a leg of the Formula One (a unique night race), while Independence Day is highly anticipated with lots of things to do. The Singapore Street Festival and Beerfest are two other noted events for tourists.
Singapore City Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015
January
- Thaipusam - January 31st, one of the city's more bizarre festivals sees Hindu followers pierce their bodies to absolve their sins during a long procession in Little India
February
- Chinese New Year - the big event of the year for predominantly Chinese locals, involving as much gusto as in Beijing, with lanterns, firecrackers and a sea of red all over Chinatown. The Chingay Parade is a big part of the festivities
- Chinese Festival of Arts (Huayi Festival) - featuring Chinese theatre, music and dance at the Esplanade during the New Year celebrations
March
- Singapore International Festival for Children - a great day for kids of all nationalities between the ages of two and 12 years, with lots of games and live performances from noted artists
- Mosaic Music Festival - this top music event sees everything from jazz and soul to hip-hop and electro at the Esplanade. The Mosaic Music Fest features unknown and international artists, as well as master classes for learners
April
- Singapore International Film Festival - Asian film producers vie for the Silver Screen Awards at this fun film gathering
May
- World Invitational Dragon Boat Races - takes place in May or June at the city's high-class Marina Bay, with quality teams battling it out to honour a dead poet
- Wesak Day - the biggest event of the year for Singapore Buddhists, remembering the birth and enlightenment of Buddha, with lots of sizeable temple gatherings
- Singapore Arts Festival - mid-May to early June, first held in 1977 and showcasing local Asian culture at its very best, hosted by the National Arts Council
June
- Beerfest Asia - mid-June, perfect for beer lovers is this event all about beer, with beers from the region being consumed at marquees on Marina Promenade
July
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- Singapore Street Festival - occurring at weekends throughout the month at various locations including heartland in East Zone, this fun event sees folks from around the world woo the crowds with all sorts of weird and wonderful acts
- Food Festival - runs for an entire month with great foods from across South-east Asia at markets and restaurants across Singapore
- Great Singapore Sale - Orchard Road is the centre for this extravaganza, which sees many stores getting in on the sale. It's not all for show either, as there really are great deals to be had
August
- National Day Parade - August 9th, a day of celebrating independence from Malaysia, with fireworks, stunts, and lots of merriment
- Hungry Ghosts Festival - one for the Chinese, all about being blessed and keeping spirits away with the burning of incense and Chinese opera
September
- Singapore Grand Prix - in late September, Formula One comes to Singapore with a night race at Marina Bay. The entire 5-km / 3-mile circuit is bathed in light for this famous and well-attended 61-lap race
- Millennium International Open DanceSport Championships - the futuristic SuntecCity shopping centre is the venue for this fun event, with 400 dancers competing in Latin and ballroom dance
October
- Nivarathri - a popular celebration for the Tamil community, with the honouring of the wives of Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu at the festival of 'Nine Nights'
- ARTSingapore - early October at SuntecCity, featuring modern Asian art from renowned and up-and-coming artists of the region
November
- Deepavali - the 'Festival of Lights' comes to Singapore in Little India. This is without doubt the most colourful event in this area of the city
- Singapore Sun Festival - late October to early November, features stunning operatic and theatrical displays, along with plenty of wine to accompany the abundance of culture
December
- Christmas - December's gift exchanges and partying are as cherished here as they are in Britain and the rest of the Western world. Orchard Road and the quaysides are particularly well geared up for the Yuletide festivities
- New Year in Singapore - December 31st, SuntecCity is the place to be on New Year's Eve, with fantastic light and fireworks displays, along with live music and partying