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THE CLIMATE 4

Singapore World Invitational Dragon Boat Races. The annual dragon boat races are held to remember the fate of Qu Yuan, a patriot and poet during the Warring States period in Chinese history (475-221 B.c;.), who threw himself into a river to end his suffering at watching his state fall into ruin under the hands of corrupt leadership. The people searched for him in boats shaped like dragons, beating gongs and throwing rice dumplings into the water to distract the River Dragon. Today, the dragon boat races are an intcrnational event, with rowing teams from 20 countries coming together to compete. Drums are still beaten, and rice dumplings are still a traditional favorite. Contact the S-IB for information. Late June/early.
The Singapore Food Festival. Local chefs compete for honors in this monthlong exhibition of international culinary delights. It's a good time to be eating in Singapore, as restaurants feature the brand-new creations they have entered in the events. Contact the STB for details. July.The Great Singapore Sale. '['his is a monthlong promotion to increase retail sales, and most shops will advertise huge savings for the entire month. It's well publicized with red banners all over Orchard Road. July. Maulidin Nabi. Muslims celebrate the birth of the Prophet Mohammed on this day. Sultan Mosque is the center of the action for Muslims who come to chant in praise. July 17.

National Day. On August 9, 1965, Singapore separated from the Federation of Malaysia, becoming an independent republic. Singaporcans celebrate this as a sort of independence day, with a grand parade with spectacular floats and marching bands. They also stage a fireworks display in the evening. August 9.
Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. The Chinese believe that once a year the gates of purgatory are opened and all the souls inside are let loose to wander among the living. These are the poor souls who either died violent deaths or whose families failed to pay them respects after they died-fatcs that cause thern to menace people as much as they can. To appease the spirits and prevent evil from falling upon themselves, the Chinese burn joss, Hell money, and paper replicas of luxury items, the latter two meant to appear in the afterworld for greedy ghosts to use. The main celebration is on the 15th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, and is celebrated with huge feasts to settle hungry ghosts. At markets, altars are placed under tents. Chinese operas are performed throughout the mount to, entertain the spirits and make them more docile. For information on these performances, call the Chinese Theatre Circle, 5 Smith St. ( 65/3234862). They perform excerpts from classic, operas every Wcdnesday and Friday evenings year-round at Clarke Quay (see singapore & malaysia websection 7 for more detail), but may stage special full-Iength operas for the occasion. You can also try the STB, which will tell you if there are any visiting operas performing around the citv.
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