Qixi Festival, which falls on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, has a rich history dating back to the Han Dynasty. It is also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day where star-crossed lovers Weaver Girl and the Cowherd could only reunite once a day.
The festival was brought to Singapore by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century and became a grand celebration until it faded in the 1970s. Fast forward to 2024, and it has evolved to be more than just gifting presents and dressing up in traditional Hanfu clothing – well, at least in Singapore.
Thanks to the passion of Singaporean heritage consultant Lynn Wong, the festival has been revived to focus on the value of craftsmanship and the celebration of skilled artisans, just like the Weaver Girl who was known for her expertise in weaving, and the Cowherd who symbolised diligence and hard work.
This celebration of cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and community spirit culminates in Qixi Fest, happening from Aug 3 to 11. Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the festival will kick off on Aug 3 with the Qixi Fest Street Party at Keong Saik Road, with events and workshops in three clan houses along with fringe activities and stage programmes from 5pm to 9 pm. From Aug 4 to 11, Chinatown Kreta Ayer Square will be home to the Qixi Fest Village with exhibitions on Qixi Festival origins, scavenger hunts, and merchandise booths.
Other highlights include Queen’s Gambit Spectacular on Aug 3 and 11 where Singapore’s very own eight-year-old chess prodigy Ashwath Kaushik will go against 14 players simultaneously; urban sketching sessions with the great-granddaughter of Tan Keong Saik, Anne Siew Kim Li; (Her)Story of the Samsui Women Tour led by Samsui descendant, and workshops by Cultural Medallion recipients.
Qixi Fest takes place from Aug 3 to 11 in Chinatown. For full details of the programmes, visit www.qixifest.com.
