Singapore does celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as “Duanwu” in Chinese. The festival is a significant cultural event that is deeply rooted in Chinese heritage and is celebrated not only in China but also by Chinese communities around the world, including Singapore.
In Singapore, the Dragon Boat Festival is marked with various activities and events that showcase the culture and traditions associated with the holiday. These may include:
Dragon Boat Races: These are the most prominent events, where teams of rowers compete in long boats painted to look like dragons. The races often take place in reservoirs and rivers around the island, with participants and spectators dressed in traditional attire.
Eating Zongzi: Zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings, are a traditional food of the festival. In Singapore, these dumplings are often made with a variety of fillings and are available in many eateries and markets.
Cultural Performances: Traditional Chinese music, dance, and song performances are often held to entertain the public and to educate them about the cultural significance of the festival.
Educational Workshops: Workshops and cultural sessions are sometimes organized to teach participants about the history and traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival.
Folk Activities: Other activities may include making traditional Chinese decorations, such as paper fans and lanterns, or creating scented sachets.
The celebration in Singapore reflects the country’s multicultural society and the significant presence of the Chinese community, which contributes to the vibrancy and diversity of the festival celebrations.