Colourful festivals in Singapore

Autumn is a colourful time for a holiday or city break stopover in Singapore with a variety of festivals celebrating the island's rich multi-cultural heritage.

Three festivals - Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the Mid-Autumn Festival and Deepavali – feature the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities.

The ethnic districts of Kampong Glam, Geylang Serai, Chinatown and Little India will come alive in an explosion of colour, street lights, festive bazaars, cultural performances and events.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations kick things off at the end of August in two locations. Colourful street lights in Geylang Serai will feature a batik and kampong roof theme, fusing nostalgic and traditional elements with bright lights and decorations.

Visitors can join the crowds in the street bazaars and be mesmerised by the sheer volume of items ranging from Malay delicacies and festive fare to traditional clothing, trinkets and decorative items.

Meanwhile, at Kampong Glam - the historic seat of Malay royalty in the heart of the city - thousands of sparkling fairy lights will adorn the streets and stalls will offer a wide selection of local festive Malay cuisine, traditional handicrafts and other goods.

Visitors can also participate in the breaking of the fast, or Iftar, at the compound of the Sultan Mosque on Muscat Street.

Or enjoy a weekend programme of cultural activities from ketupat-weaving demonstrations to Malay dances, traditional Malay martial arts (or Silat), and Kompang performances at the Malay Heritage Centre.

The celebrations at Kampong Glam are from August 24th to October 5th and at Geylang Serai from August 30th to October 12th.

Chinatown will be the centre of attention for the Mid-Autumn Festival from August 31st to September 30th, with colourful lanterns, lights, bazaars and fireworks.

The celebration is a Chinese tradition where families and friends gather for reunions, enjoying mooncakes and sipping tea while viewing the moon at its fullest and brightest.

Join the celebrations at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, in Hong Lim Park, along the Singapore River, the Albert Mall and in the Chinese Garden.

Little India completes the celebrations with the Deepavali Light-Up and festivities between September 20th and November 2nd.

Popularly known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali is a time for rejoicing and renewal as Hindus all over the world celebrate the triumph of good over evil and many homes light up little lamps to usher in light and good fortune.

During this time, Little India will be bathed in dazzling lights, while its streets will resound with the bustle of the festive bazaars and lively cultural activities and performances.

Festive highlights include Navarathiri or the Nine Nights Festival (September 30th to October 8th), Theemithi or the Fire Walking Festival (October 20th), the spectacular UTSAV Street Parade (October 24th), and a jubilant Countdown Concert on October 26th.

One of the best ways to soak in the atmosphere during the festivals is to take one of the free guided walking tours organised by the Singapore Tourism Board.

In Kampong Glam, visitors can discover traditional Indonesian/Malay herbal remedies, try on batik or Malay costumes, and enjoy the heady scents of customised fragrances made from essential oils.

The Chinatown tour explains the legends, customs and practices behind the Mid-Autumn Festival, and includes mouth watering opportunities to sample mooncakes and fragrant Chinese tea.

The walking tour of Little India provides a fascinating journey into the meaning of the Deepavali celebrations.

Visitors will learn how to wear a sari, understand the meaning behind henna-painting, watch flower-garland making demonstrations, and catch cultural performances at the temples during Navarathiri.

Don't forget in 2008 Singapore will host its very first Formula 1 grand prix race, with an exciting night time street race planned on September 26th. Just another reason to visit vibrant Singapore.

For more information on holidays and short breaks in Singapore see the official Singapore tourism website.