Get Ready for Singapore HeritageFest 2025: Celebrating Our Living Heritage!
Guess what? The much-anticipated Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) is back for its 22nd edition, and this year, coinciding with SG60, it’s all about celebrating the heart and soul of Singapore – our living heritage!
I attended the media preview this morning and it was a fantastic sneak peek into what promises to be an incredible festival.
While last year’s preview was held at National Musuem, for this year, the stage is located at Marina Gardens by The Bay.
First, we started the preview with a bang. 2 performances. Dragon dance and performance of Swarupaka by Bhaskar’s Arts Academy.
Thereafter, some of the participating vendors were present to give us a preview of their craft.
And not forgetting food.
And special mention to Singapore (Yeo’s), returning as SHF’s official partner for the second consecutive year.
It really set the stage for the main event and got me excited about exploring more.
What’s Singapore HeritageFest 2025 All About
Running from 25 April to 25 May 2025, SHF 2025, organised by HeritageSG (part of the National Heritage Board), invites everyone to dive deep into the traditions, practices, skills, and knowledge that shape our unique Singaporean identity. Think beyond monuments and museums – this festival celebrates the people and practices that keep our culture alive and thriving every day.
With over 100 programmes happening islandwide, thanks to more than 90 partners, this SG60 edition focuses on our Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). It’s a chance to connect with the cultural practitioners, heritage businesses, and community groups who are the passionate guardians of these traditions.
Festival Highlights: What Not to Miss!
There’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, an arts lover, or just curious! Here are some highlights based on the types of experiences you can expect:
1. Discover Traditional Crafts:
- Learn rattan weaving and even customise a pair of Mary Janes (`Rattan Knot Weaving x anothersole`).
- Try your hand at making traditional lanterns (`Making Traditional Lanterns`).
- Hear the story of a woodcarver continuing his family’s legacy (`My Grandma’s Startup`).
2. Feel the Rhythm of Performing Arts:
- Experience a unique blend of Getai and Teochew opera(`Out of the Red Box`).
- Immerse yourself in **Malay opera (Bangsawan)** (`Beats on Baghdad Street`).
- Explore classical Indian music (`Carnatic Music vs Sopanam Music`) or the ancient melodies of **Nanyin** (`An Odyssey to the South`).
3. Savour Our Food Heritage:
- Learn the secrets behind Nasi Ulam (`Gotong-Royong: Nasi Ulam Recipe Crafting`).
- Go behind the scenes at an old-school bakery (`Night Shift at Sweetlands Bakery`).
- Trace the history of Bak Kut Teh with storytelling and tea pairing (`Savouring Heritage`).
4. Explore Social Practices & Traditions:
- Discover diverse wedding traditions (`Kahwin-Kahwin: Singapore Wedding Stories`).
- Learn about rites of passage across communities (`Rites of Passage`).
- Get nostalgic with **traditional games and toys** (`Kampong Playtime`).
5. Reconnect with Nature:
- Learn the art of flower garland tying (`Flower Tying Workshop`).
- Get creative with natural plant pigments (`Painting with Native Plant Pigments`).
- Visit the birthplace of our national flower (`Orchid Cultivation Workshop @ Birthplace of Vanda Miss Joaquim`).
Returning Favourites:
- HOMEGROUND: This year set in Gardens by the Bay’s Silver Garden, featuring an exhibition, workshops, performances, a pop-up hawker experience, and a heritage retail market.
- Ride & Discover: Bringing heritage stories to commuters at Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut, and Bayfront MRT stations.
- UNDISCLOSED: Embark on a mystery heritage tour where the location is kept secret until you arrive!
Ready to Join the Celebration?
Registration for most programmes opens today, 22 April 2025, at 12 pm!
Head over to the official Singapore HeritageFest website to browse the full programme line-up and book your spots: (https://www.sgheritagefest.gov.sg)
Don’t miss this chance to connect with Singapore’s living heritage during SHF 2025. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn, experience, and celebrate the traditions that make us who we are. Hope to see you there!
#SHF2025 #SGHeritageFest #SingaporeHeritage #LivingHeritage #SG60 #ExploreSingapore
