Singapore Special Events 2009: Cultural, Culinary & High-Octane Events Keep Visitors on the Edge of Their Seats

06.04.2009 – Singapore – June 4, 2009 – Things are heating up in Singapore and with fantastic travel deals and upcoming special events, there has never been a more perfect time to visit Asia’s lifestyle capital. Stylish new hotels, bars, clubs and restaurants are generating non-stop fun in the Lion City while several key happenings are raising the level of excitement including the following highlights:

Great Singapore Sale, Now through July 26, 2009
Bag amazing deals with the Great Singapore Sale with discounts of up to 70% off usual prices, from designer apparel to jewelry, watches and much more. During the Great Singapore Sale, attractive dining offers will also be offered island wide to keep shoppers in peak physical condition for a shopping marathon. MasterCard holders stand to receive additional exclusive privileges during the Great Singapore Sale. For details visit www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg.

The Singapore Food Festival, July 17 – 26, 2009
The annual Singapore Food Festival celebrates the country’s status as Asia’s food Mecca and offers a delicious insight into the country’s famed hawker food and culinary culture. From July 17 through July 26, visitors can enjoy Singapore’s local culinary treasures such as Hainanese Chicken Rice, Char Koay Teow, Chilli Crab and much more, complemented by an array of international flavors ranging from French to Middle Eastern cuisine. The Singapore Food Festival includes culinary workshops, food competitions and special celebrations. This year’s highlights include a special “Food Street” event from July 17-25 offering the country’s legendary hawker dishes; a bustling “Singapore River Market” where visitors can enjoy local delights while taking in the scenic waterfront district; and the world’s longest “Peranakan Buffet Line.” The Peranakan or the Straits Chinese is an ethnic group indigenous to Singapore possessing its own unique brand of cuisine and culture that is thriving in the Lion City. For more information and a calendar of events visit www.singaporefoodfestival.com.sg

One City Three Festivals 2009
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, 14 August – 27 September (Kampong Glam), 15 August – 26 September (Geylang Serai)
Mid Autumn Festival, 19 September – 17 October 2009(Chinatown)
Deepavali, 18 September – 25 October 2009 (Little India)
Singapore is a multi-cultural city and its ethnic districts flourish with color and energy during the months of September to November.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, is the most important celebration for Muslims as it signifies the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Hari Raya comes alive in various areas around Singapore and districts such as Kampong Glam, the historic seat of Malay royalty. Featured festivities during Hari Raya include the lighting of festive lights, cultural performances, showcase of delicious Malay cuisine and food and shopping bazaars.

The Mid Autumn Festival is a cornucopia of colorful cultural performances and highlights include a mass lantern walk and celebration; nightly stage shows of Chinese opera; and festive street stalls serving tasty Chinese-Singaporean treats. The Mid Autumn Festival is celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide and is an auspicious occasion for gathering and reunion for family and friends. Signature items served during this period include mooncakes.

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights is the most important occasion in the Hindu calendar, where Hindus around the world celebrate the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. During this festival, the temples and streets of Little India are lit with streamers and dazzling lights. Other highlights include Deepavali festive street light-ups, cultural performances and food and shopping bazaars.

Visit www.visitsingapore.com/1city3fest for updates on festival events and other highlights.

2009 Formula 1™ SINGTEL Singapore Grand Prix, September 25-27, 2009
Set in the heart of the city, the world’s only FORMULA ONE™ night race at the Marina Bay street circuit promises thrilling high-speed action. Watch as sleek race machines speed down the streets, past some of the city’s most iconic and historic monuments. This is one event not to be missed. Nothing else comes close. Complementing the world’s only FORMULA 1™ night race, the Singapore Grand Prix Season takes place from September 18-27, presenting a slew of exhilarating race-themed events, intoxicating parties and irresistible retail and dining experiences, all with an Asian touch. Be prepared for adrenalin-pumping and breath-taking events that will rev you up to the world-class FORMULA ONE™ action! For more information, visit www.visitsingapore.com/sgpseason or www.singaporegp.sg.

Christmas in the Tropics, Mid-November, 2009 – January 2, 2010
Spend Christmas in the Tropics in Singapore which features colorful activities galore including traditional pantomimes; magnificent Christmas decorations and light displays along Orchard Road, the country’s premier shopping and entertainment district; colorful parades; and a Christmas gift market that stays open until midnight offering specialty food, drink and retail outlets. For more information on Christmas in the Tropics visit www.visitsingapore-usa.com.

ZoukOut 2009, December 12, 2009
Asia’s largest 24-hour beach dance party on Sentosa Island returns this December with a line-up of world-class DJs spinning beats for the masses. Organized by Zouk, the premier entertainment and nightclub owners in Singapore, ZoukOut drew more than 25,000 partygoers last year. For more information on ZoukOut 2009 visit www.zoukout.com

In addition to this line-up of exciting events, Singapore is also offering a “2009 Reasons To Enjoy Singapore” promotion, a global marketing campaign under which visitors can enjoy travel packages and promotions that offer quality and exciting experiences at value-for-money prices including attractive airfare, hotel packages and much more.

For more information on upcoming events and the “2009 Reasons To Enjoy Singapore” promotion visit www.visitsingapore-usa.com