Eat, play and learn at Armenian Street Party: Peranakan Pasar, organised by the Peranakan Museum.
Happening from Mar 8 to 31, this eighth edition of the festival will be a celebration of Peranakan food. Festivalgoers can look forward to four weeks of recipes, stories, and craftsmanship alongside a series of food-inspired activities and interactive programmes.
Kick off the festivities by watching the inaugural projection mapping by local artist Yip Yew Chong on the facade of Peranakan Museum, titled Mari Kita Makan. The animated illustrations capture the preparation, dining and riotous colours synonymous with the Peranakan culinary experience.
Then head to Armenian Street Park to meet the In-Kueh-Dibles, inflatable characters in the shape of local kuehs (traditional cakes and desserts). The interactive artwork by design team Bunch of Monkeys whets your appetite while you play and bounce with them.
Opening weekend highlights include The Peranakan Pasar (Mar 8 to 10), a night market which will bring together cooking demonstrations, food kiosks, a showcase of antiques and collectibles, roving theatrical performances, and more. As night falls, Armenian street lights up with Afterparty: Peranakan Beats. Everyone is invited to groove to the pulsating beats of the parai drum (a traditional Tamil drum) and other music enjoyed by Peranakan communities.
On Mar 15, 16 and 31, take part in Tok Panjang: A Communal Dining Expereince. Supported by the Allspice Institute, this celebratory long table feast is a cornerstone of major Peranakan occasions. Enjoy a specially curated halal-friendly Peranakan menu served on antique dinnerware as well as dance and music performances.
Experience Peranakan culture in creative ways, thanks to new partnerships between the Peranakan Museum and Peranakan communities. Sign up for the Spice Gallery tour organised by National Parks Board. Start the journey at Fort Canning Park and discover how the botanicals have influenced Peranakan cuisine and practices. The tour will conclude at the museum’s Home and Life gallery.
While at the museum, sign up for workshops for some hands-on fun. They include Wrap It Up Batik Beeswax Food Wrap Making by sustainability advocate Melissa Lam; Spicy Surprise! Sambal Making Workshop with Allspice Institute; Ma’amoul Makers: Kueh Workshop with Arab Network @ Singapore; and Nyonya Needlework: Beadwork Workshop with manekNya. There are also several activities where participants can paint and make their own crafts like paper thoranam and miniature kueh clay accessories.
Armenian Street Party: Peranakan Pasar runs from Mar 8 to 31, 2024. Entry to the festival is free but some ticketed programmes require pre-registration. For the full list of programmes, visit here.
All photos courtesy of Peranakan Museum unless indicated.
