Colors of Singapore City - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Craving for order is one of the main national features of local residents. This concerns absolutely all spheres of life. The local people are very serious about the problem of smoking, so it is prohibited by law in all closed public places. The breaking of this rule will result to quite a large fine – around a thousand of dollars. However, there are quite many specially designated smoking areas in the city. Roads should also be crossed only in the right place. If you cannot find a pedestrian crossing or an underpass nearby, then you can simply stand next to the nearest traffic light - careful drivers will surely stop and allow you to walk.

The streets of the city are distinguished by amazing clarity. The locals are very concerned about order and encourage visitors to respect the local traditions. Rubbish should be disposed only into special boxes. The person who breaks this rule may also need to pay a large fine. One more peculiarity of the city is the restriction to take food in non-designated areas. This rule sounds quite strange, but eating in this city is allowed in specially designated areas only. These are the peculiarities of the local. You also cannot take chewing gum to Singapore and you cannot chew it. The breaking of this rule is also punished with a large fine - around $300.

Independence Day is one of the biggest national celebrations. The holiday is celebrated on August 9. The important day is the time for various cultural events, shows and fairs, exhibitions and military parades. The majority of celebrations are organized on the territory of Marina Bay. Young citizens also take part in the preparations to the holiday. The performance of a children’s choir is a tradition for Independence Day. As a rule, pupils of more than 200 schools sing in this choir. The local residents have a good tradition that is happily supported by tourists – it’s common to wear the most colorful and beautiful clothes for the holiday. Many people sew clothes for the holiday by themselves just to make sure they will look differently from the others. Red is considered the national color, so it must be always present in your festive outfit. Tourists, who did not have time to get clothes for this special celebration, can always buy a red shirt in one of local shops. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Despite the fact that Singapore is a rather tiny country, a number of festivals and interesting events held here will surprise any experienced traveler. A unique mix of cultures and nationalities lives in Singapore and creates a rather bizarre combination. That's why the annual calendar of holidays held here is very attractive: religious celebrations, social and cultural holidays, sporting events, bright festivals, and carnivals. Chinese New Year is one of the most prospective holidays in Singapore. The holiday takes place in the period between late January and early February. Locals start the preparations a couple of weeks before the Chinese New Year. During this time, the city takes on a special festive spirit. The main venue of the celebration is the brightly lit Chinatown, decorate with traditional lanterns and attributes. In this quarter, you will be able to enjoy various attractions, to taste Chinese delicacies and sweets. Shopping during New Year holiday can be highly profitable, as far as shopping centers offer attractive discounts and promotions.

In July, the city of Singapore turns into the venue for the culinary festival - the Singapore Food Festival. This event was organized, for the first time, by the Singapore Tourism Authority twenty years ago - in 1994. For ten days, all the Singapore's establishments - from street trays to the most luxury restaurants - will demonstrate the visitors all the shades of local cuisine, offering a festival menu. Within the framework of the festival, you will be able to participate in culinary workshops and master classes. In addition, the local gastronomic establishments will build the so-called Favorite Food Village, where you can vote for the best restaurant to come when very hungry. Singapore is quite an expensive city but during June-July, all the shopaholics will have an amazing chance to purchase any goods with so tempting discount. The Great Singapore Sale - is one of the most popular and long-awaited annual events. Singapore is turning into a sales center, and falls into a shopping arcade with retailers, giving discounts on goods of up to 70% of the normal price.

If you are in love with cinematography, pay attention to the Singapore International Film Festival, which is the largest event in the Singapore film industry and one of the premier film festivals in Asia. SIFF has held annually in April. The festival screen broadcasts more than 200 international films of all genres, while the special attention is paid to innovative Asian works. In addition to the movies, on the festival, you will also enjoy workshops, seminars and film exhibitions. If your arrival at Singapore is falling on October, do your best to visit the Singapore Sun Festival. This is an event of the integrated way of life, celebrating the "art of good living" through seven key disciplines, including music, cinema, fine arts, literature, cuisine, wine drinking, and wellness. One of the brightest traditional events is the Dragon Boat Festival. The most anticipated activity of this festival is the race on the dragon boats and demonstration of the abilities and strength of local and international oarsmen. The racing competitions are held every year in June. During the Dragon Boat Festival, you must try the traditional rice dumplings and Chinese delicacies.