Qixi Festival in Singapore 2024

There’s something unusual in the air. Can you feel it? Some exceptional spirit with hints of history, cultural heritage, and happiness. Well, we know what’s going on. It is the Qixi Festival. It returns to Singapore and intends to fill this August with culture, traditions, exciting festivities, and unforgettable emotions. Let’s check out more details about the Qixi Festival 2024 together with BusyKidd!

Last year, the Qixi Festival returned to our city after more than a half-century of absence. This August, it will bring bright and exciting festivities to Singapore’s Chinatown again. We invite you to learn some interesting facts about the festival and see what it has prepared for us this year.

The Story of the Qixi Festival

The Qixi Festival (aka the Qiqiao Festival) is a lively Chinese festival that celebrates the annual meeting of Zhinü and Niulang in Chinese mythology. It falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunisolar month on the Chinese lunisolar calendar, and this year, the Qixi Festival is celebrated on August 10. However, festivities in Singapore will last almost the whole of August, so all Singaporeans and city guests will have a chance to plunge into the incredible atmosphere of the Qixi Festival 2024.

Qixi Fest, or a ‘Wish Upon The Stars Festival,’ is rooted in the Han Dynasty. It honors rich cultural heritage and traditions. Engaging workshops, fascinating storytelling, music, and brilliant performances – this is just a tiny part of all the exciting Qixi Festival 2024 events. At the heart of all festivities are a community spirit and an incredible atmosphere. By the way, The Qiqiao Festival is said to have been even grander than Chinese New Year.

The Qixi Festival was brought to Singapore by Chinese immigrant women in the 19th century. Over the years, it turned into a colourful, grand celebration. However, the festival disappeared from the public consciousness in the 1970s.

Last year, in 2023, festival director Lynn Wong, together with clan associations and community partners, revived the Qixi Festival and brought its beautiful legends back to Singapore. This incredible celebration returns in 2024.

By the way, the Qixi Festival in Singapore even has its Mascot, a cute magpie Qiqi (‘seven seven’ in Mandarin). Your kids will love this birdie and numerous exciting Qixi Fest activities for visitors of all ages.

Qixi Festival 2024 Activities

This year, the Wish Upon The Stars Festival will bring even more exciting events and amazing things to do to Singapore. Various workshops, storytelling, Scavenger Hunt, tours, performances, and lots of traditions and unique stories – let’s see some of the highlights of the Qixi Fest 2024:

Street Party @ Keong Saik. Become part of an exciting street party along Keong Saik Road. Learn more about the Qixi Festival and its forgotten customs, create artwork on water, exercise in Chinese calligraphy, sing, dance, and feel the spirit of this festival. You can even write down your deepest wish – and it will definitely come true this Qixi Fest!
(Her)Story of the Samsui Women Tour. Take a special tour led by Samsui descendant Pauline Fun. Learn the story of the Qixi Festival and find out about the Samsui Women’s power. It’s going to be an inspiring journey back in time. You can join the tour on August 4 and 11.
Flying Free: A Celebration of Poetry and Music. Join the Poetry Workshops featuring the esteemed Chinese Cultural Medallion Recipient poets Lin Gao and Xi Ni Er. Enjoy an evening full of charming music and beautiful poetry. Workshops take place on August 3 (7:30 PM to 9 PM) and are conducted in Mandarin.
QiQi & Friends Scavenger Hunt. Join the Mascot QiQi and her friends on their exciting adventure. Take part in the Scavenger Hunt and have a fun and helpful time.
Qiao Guo Pastry Making Workshop. Learn how to create cute Qiqi Qiao Guos, iconic Qixi Festival pastries. Participate in the workshop at Qixi Fest Village at Kreta Ayer Square on August 4-11. By the way, you can pre-order Mag-A-Wish DIY Qiao Guo Kit to make them at home.

Besides, Qixi Festival 2024 organizers have prepared a wide range of lovely Qixi Festival 2024 Merchandise: Cuddly Qiqi Plushie, Qiqi Enamel Keychains and Pins, ‘Make a Wish Magpie’ – Plushie Crochet Kit, beautiful artworks, collectibles, and more.

Come and plunge into an incredible world of culture and traditions at the Qixi Festival in Singapore 2024!

When and Where:
- Aug 3: Street Party @ Keong Saik (5 PM to 9 PM)
- Aug 4-11: Fest Village @ Kreta Ayer Square (2 PM to 9 PM)
- Aug 17-31: After Party @ Chinatown Lib
Age: For all ages
Admission Price: Free and paid activities
More Details

Images Credit: Qixi Festival 2024 via Facebook