Singapore has become a burgeoning tourist spot due to its lush greenery, immaculate cleanliness, fast-paced economy, and a vast number of attractions. Singapore, also known as the Lion City, is constantly evolving and reinventing itself with time. The city has a blend of many different cultures namely, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Taoists, Catholics, and Christians. Moreover, Singapore city invites a wide category of tourists – thrill-seekers, epicureans, tree huggers, and solace hunters.

Whether it’s the festive celebration of Chinese New Year, the mid-Autumn Festival, or the colorful streets in Deepavali, there’s always a party going on somewhere on this island. Below Listed are some of the top annual festivals and events in Singapore in 2022 that should be on your travel calendar.

1. Chinese New Year (February)

The Chinese New Year Celebration 2022 includes a series of celebratory activities that are held in the Chinatown area. It starts from the first week of January and ends in February. Further, the entire Chinatown Street of Singapore light-up and is followed by in-person events.

According to the Chinese, the calendar is represented by one of twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac. And, 2022 will be the year of the Tigers. Tigers are vigorous, courageous, and ambitious. Moreover, they are enthusiastic and generous, self-confident with a sense of justice and a commitment to help others for the greater good.

The Colour red is considered auspicious and hence you’ll observe red decorations everywhere. The houses are cleaned and beautifully decorated. It also brings the loved ones close as they stay up at night playing cards, board games.

2. Chingay Parade (February)

Chingay Parade is an annual street parade that is held every year in Singapore and Malaysia. The parade is held to celebrate the birthdays of Chinese deities. Moreover, it’s a part of Chinese New Year Festivities. 

The theme for this year is ‘Ignite Our Dreams’. The Chingay Parade will complete its 50 years, this year. And hence this year’s Chingay will be also known as Chingay50.

3. Hari Raya Aidilfitri (May)

The festival of Eid, Ramadan is known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore. It falls on the first day of Syawal, which is the 10th month of the Hijrah (Islamic) calendar. 

People hold fasts during this period and engage in acts of compassion and fast from dawn to dusk for almost a month. They abstain from smoking or drinking during fasting. The term Hari Raya means a “big (or grand) day of rejoicing”.

4. Vesak Day (16th May)

“Vesak” is the Day of the Full Moon that occurs every year in May. It is one of the auspicious days for millions of Buddhists around the world. Buddha was born on this day two and a half millennia ago. It is also said that Buddha attained enlightenment, and passed away on the same day in his eightieth year.

On Vesak Day, Buddhists in Singapore and other countries celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Gautama Buddha. Devotees offer flowers, joss sticks, and candles. Moreover, the offerings remind them that life is transient and fleeting and all the things in the world will eventually pass away.

5. Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) (20th May – 5th June)

SIFA aims to provide all artisans with a platform to showcase their artwork. It is famous for its dynamic and vibrant culture. The festival also exhibits dance, music, theatre, and visual arts in a series of performances.

The 2022 festival will feature newly commissioned works with a mix of local and international artists. These festivals are designed to expand and deepen the profusion of artistry and ideas radiating from the festival.

The Prices vary for each session, with discounts for multiple tickets.

6. Dragon Boat Festival (3rd June)

Dragon Boat Festival is one of the popular cultural festivals in Singapore. It falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. People take to rivers for epic races, but this will be muted this year. 

The Dragon Boat Festival is associated with Qu Yuan. He was an incorruptible minister of state but was banished by his emperor due to political intrigue. Further, he threw himself into the river and ended his life.

The fishermen and common folks tried a lot to save him. They beat their oars against the water in an attempt to save him from the man-eating fish. Moreover, his loved ones also threw cooked rice wrapped in leaves into the water, to distract the fish. They also beat drums and splashed water to keep fishes and spirits away from the body.

The spirit of Qu Yuan one day appeared before his friends. He asked his friends to wrap their rice into three-cornered silk packages to ward off the dragon. The act of boating to search for his body gradually became a tradition of dragon boat racing. People eat Zongzi (Chinese Rice Dish) and beat drums to remember his sacrifice.

Where: Bedok Reservoir, Kallang River, DBS Marina Regatta.

7. Singapore Food Festival (June- July)

The Festival attracts an ample number of foodies from all over the world. It is organized by the Singapore Tourism Board. Moreover, the Singapore Food Festival is a must-visit in 2022. People can taste all the types of cuisines and witness the competitions.

8. National Day (9th August 2022)

This is one of the most popular festivals in Singapore. Singapore celebrates its freedom from Malaysia on 9th August 1965. The complete nation is turned into patriotic shades of red and white. 

The nation was left with tiny size and minimal natural resources. Yet the island succeeded against all the odds and made use of every single advantage it had. Now, it has emerged as a major commercial hub and a financial center. The nation displays its culture, and heritage on this day.

9. Hungry Ghost Festival (12th August 2022)

This festival is very much similar to Halloween that is held in October. Hungry Ghost or Zhong Yuan Jie is held in commemoration of the dearly departed. It occurs on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. In addition to this, it is said that the gate of heaven and hell are opened, and the spirits seek food and entertainment.

It is believed that souls roam around the earth on this day. Moreover, these ghosts can get up to mischief if ignored. To prevent this, all offerings are made to take care of their needs in the afterlife. Further, Lotus-shaped lanterns are lit and afloat in rivers to guide the lost souls. 

Singapore organizes live concerts known as Getai. Citizens perform different activities like singing, dancing to please the soul. The front seats are left empty for ghosts.

10. Mid-Autumn Festival (10th September 2022)

Also known as the Lantern Festival, the feast celebrates the legend of Chang E– the goddess of the moon. It is said that she stole an elixir of immortality from her husband Hou Yi. While some say that she was forced to drink it. After drinking, she floated to the moon and resided over there.

During this time of year that the moon is at its brightest. Tourists also lit up lanterns and blew them in the air. Moreover, mooncakes are the main highlight of the Mid-Autumn Festival. 

11. Deepavali (24th October 2022)

Singapore celebrates Diwali on the 15th day of the Kartik month just like India. But for them, Deepavali lasts for a week. The Hindu community of Singapore celebrates the festival with much pomp and happiness. 

The Festival of Lights marks the triumph of good over evil. People decorate their house with lights, share feasts, and exchange gifts. They also held Lakshmi Pooja to seek blessings from her.

About a week before Diwali, the Sri Mariamman Temple hosts another cultural spectacle: Theemithi. In a ritual that continues well into the night, witness thousands of men walk on burning charcoal as a tribute to the goddess.

With this, we come to the end of this blog. I hope you found the best options available for you to reserve in Singapore on your next trip and add them to your travel wishlist. Moreover, these 11 festivals will definitely make your Singapore trip more memorable and special.

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