Singapore is a multicultural city that accepts the customs and traditions of the different religions that make up the country. It is not surprising, therefore, that in its calendar of festivities there are dates dedicated to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Taoists. All of them coexist with respect distributed in the different neighborhoods of the city and make up among all the hallmark of this country that has been nicknamed, on many occasions, the Asian New York. Among its events you can not miss out on its many festivals that make Singapore an advanced and modern city full of art and fashion.

Asia Fashion Exchange

Since 2010, Singapore celebrates its biggest fashion event: the Asia Fashion Exchange. The purpose is to promote the work of local designers, oriental fashion and the latest trends that will fill the shop windows of the luxurious Orchard Road, the main artery of the city where the big companies are located. Different parades are organized and it is a good opportunity to meet the local dressmakers.

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is celebrated with the beginning of the first lunar calendar and the exact date of the celebration usually changes every year. In Singapore, the celebrations take place in the Chinatown neighbourhood, where most of their Chinese community lives. For its celebration the streets are decorated with lights, there are parades, night markets, cultural events and Chinatown Street Light Up becomes the epicentre of the festivities.

Diwali

This Hindu festival has a huge reception among the Indian community of Singapore. It venerates the goddesses Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu, and Kali, and hundreds of oil lamps and candles illuminate the temples and streets of Little India to create one of the most beautiful images of the city. According to Hindu tradition, light overcomes darkness and purifies souls and homes. Incense sticks are also burned and there are usually fireworks.

Dragon Boat Festival

This Chinese celebration takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. It was declared as intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO and in Singapore, it is celebrated thanks to the great Chinese community that exists in the city. There is a great regatta of boats disguised as dragons, and offerings are made to the poet Qu Yuan, who famously drowned.

Pogal Harvest Festival

This festival is a tradition of Indian culture, so the epicentre of its celebration is usually the Little India neighbourhood. For four days, the locals celebrate the year's entrance according to the Tamil calendar. The first of these days is the Bhogi Pongal, consecrated to the god Indra; the second is dedicated to Surya, to whom offerings are taken; the third is Mattu Pongal, the day of honors; while the last one is when the different ceremonies, acts and exhibitions about their culture and traditions are performed.

Singapore Art Festival

For ten days the city of Singapore becomes a large canvas filled with art thanks to the works of national and international artists. The celebration takes place in its main avenues, museums and galleries where the best works made during the last years are exposed. Also, there are exhibitions, workshops and different events to promote art in the city.

Singapore International Film Festival

For a week in November, the city of Singapore hosts one of the most renowned film festivals in the Asian continent. Since 1987, it has been showing the films of promising young filmmakers, both nationally and internationally. The festival is attended by filmmakers from all over the world and awards are given to the best productions. For the attendees, there are also talks and workshops.

World Gourmet Summit

One of the most prestigious events in Singapore that welcomes the best chefs and sommeliers in the world every year. In addition to the Michelin event, during these days there are different gastronomic spaces where you can taste the most incredible culinary creations. There are also wine workshops and different gastronomic activities where you can learn the tricks of a variety of great international chefs.

Events and festivals in
Singapore