Holidays and Festivals Celebrated in Singapore

Holidays and Festivals Celebrated in Singapore

Learning about other cultures is very important for me, and I think travelers should research the country they are planning to visit. If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, this list of holidays and festivals is a great way to get ready for your trip.

Photo via Flickr via ^Joe

Once you’ve had time to plan and research your Singapore vacation, the next step should be booking your hotel in Singapore and planning which attractions you want to visit. Festivals and holidays are a great way to experience foreign cultures while traveling. The ones on this list will make your vacation even more memorable and fun.

Chinese New Year

Probably the most celebrated holiday in Singapore, Chinese New Year is observed on the first day of the first lunar year on the Chinese calendar. The festival usually falls during the last week in January and in early February. Chinatown is the hub of all celebrations, and the area is brightly lit and decorated with Chinese lanterns. Malls offer shopping discounts and attractive offers during the festival, making it a great time for travelers to collect souvenirs.

Deepavali

Celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, is observed in October or November and is the most important holiday on the Hindu calendar. Visit Little India to find colorful lights and traditional decorations. Local roadside stalls sell terra-cotta lamps, flowers, and other decorations. Tempt your taste buds with traditional Indian savories and sweets.

National Day

Celebrated every year on August 9, National Day is the most anticipated day of the year, culminating with the National Day Parade on Marina Bay. There are pre-parade filler events on National Day, but most people visit Marina Bay for the parade and the popular President’s Gun Salute. The event ends with a 45-minute Grand Finale Show followed by a fireworks display. Locals show their festive spirit by wearing red and white and by displaying the national flag on their homes.

The Great Singapore Sale

If you’re traveling between June and July, you’re in for an extra-special treat — the Great Singapore Sale. The yearly sale is a shopping extravaganza, with retailers offering special deals and promotions as much as 70 percent off retail prices. Everything’s on sale during the event, making it the perfect time to visit and stretch your vacation budget while enjoying special savings.

The Dragon Boat Festival

My first introduction to the Dragon Boat Festival was through the Disney Channel animated show “Ni Hao, Kai-Lan.” The show did an amazing job introducing the festival to children, but I loved learning about the festival myself. Held annually during June, the festival draws both local and international rowers to compete in races in their colorfully designed dragon boats. Foodies will enjoy all the traditional rice dumplings as they watch the dragon boats.

Regardless of when you visit the island, you’re bound to have an amazing time exploring Singapore’s culture, food, and more.