Explore the significance of neighbourliness, find out what happens after-hours at Singapore’s “Tsukiji Fish Market”, and get to know the aunties and uncles in Chinatown Complex.
These are some of the things locals and visitors can experience at My Community Festival, happening from Aug 4 to 20 in various neighbourhoods around Singapore.
The fourth edition of this festival, organised by non-profit organisation My Community, and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, offers unique and immersive educational tours and experiences aimed at spotlighting the unseen heritage in our everyday activities.
This year’s festival carries the theme “Love My Neighbour” and it’s the biggest My Community Festival yet, with a bumper crop of over 100 events spread across eight programme series (each ranging from 1.5 hours to 11.5 hours).
Every activity is interactive and intimate, and festivalgoers can get up close and personal with hawkers, shopkeepers, fishmongers and ordinary residents. Hear little-known stories and discover Singapore’s best-kept secrets through heritage tours, community museums, and neighbourhood festivals, all hosted by heritage practitioners, religious and cultural institutions, local business owners, and legacy brands.
Here are some of the events festivalgoers can look forward to.
Deep dive into Chinatown Complex
One of the key highlights of the festival will happen at Chinatown Complex where people can discover decades-long friendships, hear stories from skilled craftsmen, and see the daily routes and routines of these shop owners.
Participants will be able to take part in tours such as My Chinatown Complex Tours, where they can get to know the people who make up the heart and soul of the place, from fruit juice sellers to cheongsam makers. Let’s Talk About My Chinatown Complex will give an insight into the things that give Chinatown meaning shared by Domain experts like artists, photographers, bloggers, and historians; while Performances @ My Chinatown Complex will showcase events like Chinese Opera, calligraphy and seal-carving.
Uncover our religious heritage
Did you know there are more than ten major religions in Singapore? Aside from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, festivalgoers can learn more about lesser-known religions that play a role in Singapore’s history. They’ll have the opportunity to join practitioners of Jain and Baha’i faiths as they explain their beliefs, or learn why the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas in January rather than December.
Know your ‘hood
Join residences in decorating common shared spaces around their home in the Decorate My Hood programme. This year, My Community Festival has rallied six teams of neighbours across the island to co-design and co-curate National Day-themed decorations, infusing their neighbourhoods with a burst of patriotism and unity.
My Lepak Corner features unique niches around Singapore – see what life is like for the small community of fishermen at Changi Village, wander through Bukit Merah’s communal Sprout Hub, and have a smashing good time in Aljunied at a void deck that has been transformed into a table tennis paradise.
Have a late night adventure
Singapore is a city that never sleeps. After Hours @ My Community allows participants to meet the people who work late into the night, be it the vegetable wholesale sellers, hawkers or heritage enthusiasts. Unearth the rich history of Bukit Brown Cemetery, venture into the lorongs and back alleys of Geylang, or tour Senoko Fishery Port – possibly for the last time as it has been slated for permanent closure.
Sample various cuisines
Festivalgoers can join different families from 18 different neighbourhoods to sample various types of cruises, ranging from Hakka, Italian, Esarn Thai, and even Bengaluru.
Visit neighbours from across the Causeway
A new addition to this year’s festival is a day tour to our closest neighbour, Malaysia. Visit durian, banana and papaya plantations, and learn from vegetable and fish farmers whose produce make up a substantial portion of Singapore’s imported foods in the new MY-SG programme.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the events, visit mycommunityfestival.sg.
