- Global
What's Happening
Neighbourhoods
Things To Do
6 September 2025
With roots in Buddhist and Taoist beliefs, this Chinese festival honours the memories of the dearly departed.
From el Dia de Muertos in Mexico to Halloween in North America, cultures across the world have festivals meant to honour the dead.
The Chinese in Singapore are no different. The Hungry Ghost Festival takes place during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, with burnt offerings and live street performances a common sight across the island.
While less lighthearted than other festivals, this fascinating observance provides a deep insight into Chinese culture. Visit these locales to learn more:
Eager to learn more about the customs of the Hungry Ghost Festival? Read on.
Besides being burnt during the Hungry Ghost Festival, the use of incense has been documented across a variety of Eastern practices, from Hinduism to Buddhism.
It is common during this festival for the Chinese to burn paper offerings in the shape of cars, watches and cash for ancestors to receive in the afterlife.
In Chinese, the words getai comes from the symbols for 'song' and 'stage'. These boisterous live music performances feature quick-witted hosts and songs in dialects like Hokkien.
From trendy bars and traditional merchants to bustling streets and stories, Singapore's Chinatown is filled with enchantment.