Singapore's vibrant festival

Singapore's spectacular, multicultural street festivals are a unique feature that attracts international tourists.

A vibrant and colorful street dance performance at the Chingay Festival 2023. (Source: Individual)

Despite being one of the world's fastest-developing countries, the island nation of Singapore still values ​​preserving its traditional culture.

Singapore boasts not only modern skyscrapers, clean and green streets, and world-class sound and light shows, but also a nation that always celebrates its traditional culture. Every year, numerous unique and deeply traditional festivals are held here.

Thaipusam religious festival

Recently, the Hindu Foundation Board (HEB) in Singapore announced that there will be more live street music performances in Singapore starting in early 2024.

Accordingly, two new live music venues – located on Clemenceau Avenue and opposite the Selegie Centre in Singapore – will be opened, joining the three existing venues on Hastings Road, Short Street and Cathay Green Street, bringing the total number of venues to five.

Musicians playing traditional Indian instruments such as the kavadis and singing religious songs may perform at these venues. Currently, players of traditional Indian instruments are preparing for street processions during the Thaipusam festival in January 2024.

Thaipusam, a religious festival where Hindu devotees seek blessings and fulfill vows, was held on January 25, 2024.

The procession began at 11:30 p.m. on January 24th, when a group of devotees started their journey from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal shrine on Serangoon Road to the Sri Thendayuthapani shrine on Tank Road, carrying musical instruments and milk vessels as offerings.

Musicians perform on Hastings Road and Short Street from 7 a.m. to noon and from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

In 2016, live music performances were allowed at the Thaipusam festival for the first time after a four-decade ban dating back to 1973, which had been imposed due to clashes between groups of festival-goers.

In 2019, percussion instruments such as drums and gongs were allowed to be used again at the festival for the first time since the 1973 ban. Along the 4-kilometer procession route, religious songs will be performed from 7 am to 10 pm during the Thaipusam festival.

Musicians, hymn singers, and players of traditional percussion instruments will have to register online with the authorities from December 27 to January 23.

Attendees are not permitted to drink alcohol or smoke at the temples and along the procession route.

Buddha's Birthday

This is an important festival for Singaporeans, celebrated annually on the full moon of the fourth lunar month at The Buddha Tooth Relic site.

The purpose of the festival is to commemorate and celebrate the birthday of Buddha Shakyamuni. This is an occasion for Singaporean Buddhists to visit temples to pray for peace, recite scriptures, observe vegetarianism, chant Buddhist prayers, and release animals into the wild.

The festival attracts not only Buddhists in Singapore but also a large number of international tourists. And of course, those who participate will gain a better understanding of the unique aspects of Buddhism in this country.

Pongal Harvest Festival. (Source: Straitstimes)

Pongal Harvest Festival

The Pongal harvest festival originates from Indian culture. This festival takes place on the 1st of October according to the Tamil calendar (which corresponds to January in the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated with great fanfare in the Campbell Lane neighborhood.

On the day of the festival, Singaporeans visit relatives, neighbors, and friends to exchange greetings, wish each other good health, and celebrate. This is also the day Singaporean farmers honor livestock, poultry, and agricultural machinery, hoping they will bring them bountiful harvests.

Chingay Parade Singapore

During the Lunar New Year in Singapore, foreign tourists are sure to be impressed by the Chingay Parade street festival.

The Chingay Parade is one of the largest street parades in Asia, organized annually by the Singapore People's Association.

The Chingay Parade originated in the late 19th century and officially became a traditional Singaporean festival during the Lunar New Year celebrations annually since 1973. The lively atmosphere and long-standing cultural traditions are preserved and promoted, making the Chingay Parade a captivating event for international visitors.

The Chingay Parade is a spectacular street parade featuring floats, performers in vibrant costumes, artistic performances with musical instruments, and, of course, fireworks.

This parade festival has now become globally famous, featuring performances by representatives from many countries with diverse cultures.

After two years of being held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Chingay Parade Singapore returned on February 3rd and 4th, 2023, featuring performances by Singaporean artists and six international groups.

A delegation of 20 Vietnamese artists from the Ho Chi Minh City Light Music Center traveled to Singapore to participate in the festival and introduced the distinctive cultural features of Vietnam to international audiences through their colorful and graceful ao dai costumes.

Street festivals are a unique way for the people of Singapore to relax and unwind after days of work, while also strengthening solidarity among ethnic groups within the country and the international community.

These are important events that Singaporeans cannot miss because of their unique traditional cultural characteristics. These positive values ​​have been preserved and promoted for generations, right up to the present day.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ruc-ro-le-hoi-singapore-254698.html