As we mark the 200th anniversary of Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival in Singapore, we also look at our time leading up to, and beyond 1819.
Singapore’s history is richer and more diverse than we imagine, and understanding our place in the past helps to chart our future together. You are invited to join a journey of discovery from Singapore to Singaporean.
Note: All details are correct as at the time of publishing. Readers are advised to check with the various event organisers for the most updated schedules.
Here are some events to expect for Singapore Bicentennial 2019.
#1 Learn About Chinese Culture at Wan Qing CultureFest 2019
Wan Qing CultureFest 2019 is a two-weekend festival where we can immerse ourselves in Chinese culture by experiencing traditional crafts and performing arts, and understand how different cultures can co-exist in harmony in our multi-ethnic country. This year’s festival will feature four key pillars of cultural heritage – Social Practices, Food Heritage, Performing Arts, and Oral Traditions and Expressions.
Date: 2 to 10 November 2019
Time: Refer to Post
Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
For more information, visit Learn About Chinese Culture at Wan Qing CultureFest 2019.
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#2 MPA Bazaar by the Pier
Experience Singapore’s remarkable growth from a thriving trading post of the past to the next-generation port of the future at the exciting Bazaar by the Pier. Tour the Singapore Maritime Gallery to understand Singapore’s maritime heritage, transformation and growth; view winning photography works at the exhibition, My Defining Maritime Moment, and immerse in the atmospheric bazaar where exciting fringe activities and delectable food stalls await.
Date: 9 to 10 November 2019
Time: 10am – 7pm
Venue: Singapore Maritime Gallery
For more information, visit MPA Bazaar by the Pier.
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#3 Malay CultureFest 2019
Through more than 18 programmes and performances, the Malay CultureFest traces the cross-community developments and draws attention to the cultural significance behind these various artforms – for instance, how bangsawan was not just an opera or theatre performance but was once used as a political tool, and how keroncong is actually a marriage of music from the Portuguese and Nusantara.
Date: 11 October to 2 November 2019
Time: Refer to post
Venue: Malay Heritage Centre
For more information, visit Malay CultureFest 2019.
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#3 New World, New Life Exhibition
To commemorate the Singapore Bicentennial, the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations is showcasing this exhibition as part of its Unsung Heroes series of events that pays tribute to our nation’s forefathers.
Date: 19 November 2018 – 28 April 2019
Time: 11.30am – 6pm
Venue: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
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#4 Light to Night Festival 2019: The Bicentennial Edition
This festival reflects on Singapore’s journey and examines key moments in our 700-year history through memories and stories found in the Civic District – the site where Singapore’s history, architecture and cultural heritage began.
Date: 28 January to 24 February 2019
Time: 5pm – midnight
Venue: Civic District
For more information, visit Light to Night Festival
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#5 i Light Singapore – Bicentennial Edition
The 2019 special edition entitled i Light Singapore: Bridges of Time will extend beyond the Marina Bay waterfront to the Civic District and Singapore River. It features interactive light art installations from around the world.
Date: 28 January to 24 February 2019
Time: 7.30pm to 11pm daily with extended hours to 12am on Fridays and Saturdays
Venue: Marina Bay waterfront, Civic District and Singapore River.
For more information, visit i Light Singapore – Bicentennial Edition
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#6 River Hongbao 2019
An extravaganza of lights, sights and sounds to usher in the Lunar New Year, the 2019 edition of River Hongbao will see the Singapore Bicentennial reflected in its themes.
Date: 3 to 10 February 2019
Time: 2pm – 11pm Daily
Venue: The Float@Marina Bay
For more information, visit River Hongbao 2019
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#7 Chingay Parade Singapore 2019
As Asia’s largest street performance and float parade, Chingay 2019 will not only showcase the dynamism of Singapore’s multicultural society, but feature themes of the Singapore Bicentennial.
Date: 15 to 16 February 2019
Time: Carnival Opens From 3.30pm, Pre Parade From 7pm, Parade From 8pm – 10pm
Venue: F1 Pit Building
For more information, visit Chingay Parade Singapore 2019
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#8 Singapore Heritage Festival
An island-wide celebration of Singapore’s heritage and culture, this festival features heritage trails, tours, open houses and performances in various locations and precincts around Singapore. As a nod to the Singapore Bicentennial, the Singapore Heritage Festival will collaborate with the Singapore Bicentennial Office to launch a series of projection installations titled Find Your Place in History – City Centre Edition.
Date: 9 to 23 March 2019
Venue: Various locations
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#9 Istana Open House
Step onto the hallowed grounds of the Istana on Hari Raya for a special Open House in conjunction with the Singapore Bicentennial. Tuck into forgotten dishes of the past in our food heritage showcase. Be immersed in various performances from local schools. Or explore a slew of activities organised by our community associations.
Date: 5 June 2019
Time: 8.30am – 6pm
Venue: The Istana
For more information, visit Istana Open House
For more information about Singapore Bicentennial 2019, visit here.
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#10 Singapore Food Festival
A celebration of local culinary tradition, dining culture, innovation and artistry, the annual Singapore Food Festival beckons die-hard gourmands to savour Singapore in every bite with a sumptuous medley of gastronomic experiences over three weekends.
It’s not just about great eats though. At this annual festival, you’ll find a treasure trove of culinary experiences to expand your horizons, from food-inspired art and immersive workshops to insights and fresh new takes on local dishes. Whether you’re a lover of Mod-Sin cuisine or an admirer of traditional flavours, the Singapore Food Festival is bound to sate your appetite.
Date: 12 to 28 July 2019
Time: Refer to post
Venue: Various locations
For more information, visit Singapore Food Festival.
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#11 Eurasian Festival 2019
Learn more about our Eurasian culture and history through dance, food, and music. The festival aims to celebrate the progress of the Eurasian Association over the last 100 years, and how it has improved the lives of Eurasians through education and welfare. It also celebrates the contributions of Eurasians to nation-building.
Come down and experience the Eurasian culture with activities for all ages! Some highlights include performances from Eurasian musicians, traditional kampong games, a Kodrah Kristang booth, our cultural exhibition where you can learn more about the pioneer Eurasians who played a pivotal role in Singapore’s growth and as well as present-day Eurasians who continue to bring pride and glory to the community and of course, enjoy Eurasian food!
Date: 27 July 2019
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Venue: Our Tampines Hub
For more information, visit Eurasian Festival 2019.
For more information about Singapore Bicentennial 2019, visit here.
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