Step into the rich tapestry of Singapore’s cultural heritage at My Community Festival 2023

Uncover the unseen heritage of our everyday activities at My Community Festival 2023, where a vibrant array of living heritage events and immersive tours await residents and tourists alike. Presented by the non-profit organization My Community and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, this year’s festival embraces the theme “Love My Neighbour,” celebrating the connections that bring communities together.

Rediscover Singapore’s Living Community Heritage

Building upon its success, this year’s festival reintroduces popular immersive tours that unveil the hidden stories behind the everyday activities of Singaporeans. Dive into the world of old-school market vendors, exploring the tales that lie beyond the goods they trade. With over 100 events spread across eight program series, this edition of the My Community Festival promises to be the biggest yet, offering activities ranging from 1.5 to 11.5 hours in duration.

You can look forward to interactive and intimate experiences, as you engage with hawkers, shopkeepers, fishmongers, and ordinary residents who shape the essence of Singapore.

Embark on New Adventures

In a thrilling addition to this year’s festival, a day tour to Malaysia has been introduced under the new MY-SG program. You will have the opportunity to learn about the farms that supply 42% of Singapore’s imported vegetables, discovering the interconnectedness of our neighbouring countries.

My Lepak Corner lets you explore unique niches tucked away in various corners of Singapore, including the tranquil Changi Boatel, which continues to be a sanctuary for the small community of fishermen along the eastern coast.

Engage with residents and join them in decorating shared spaces around their homes through the Decorate My Hood program, ensuring that void decks are never void.

Indulge in the What’s For My Dinner program, savouring a delightful exchange of cuisines between neighbours, with dishes representing culinary traditions from Esarn Thai to Bengaluru, and from Italian to Hakka.

One of the festival’s most beloved programs, Hello! My Chinatown, invites you to engage in interactive conversations with fascinating vendors at Chinatown Complex. From pyjama sellers to jade dealers and effigy collectors, discover the stories behind these unique businesses and the intricate connections they have forged over the years.

My Prayers and Practices

Delve into the diverse religious landscape of Singapore, where more than ten major religions coexist. Gain insights into lesser-known faiths that have deep historical roots in Singapore, such as Jainism and the Baha’i Faith. Explore the customs and beliefs of these communities, and discover the unique traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church, including their celebration of Christmas in January.

After Hours @ My Community

Experience the vibrant energy of a city that never sleeps, from the bustling vegetable wholesale markets to the fishery ports. Immerse yourself in the stories of dedicated heritage enthusiasts who possess intimate knowledge of the over 100,000 tombs at Bukit Brown Cemetery. This year’s event holds particular significance as it may be the final opportunity to tour the Senoko Fishery Port before its permanent closure.

Chinatown Complex: A Heritage Stronghold

Our city never sleeps – at least for the people who work in vegetable wholesale markets, fishery ports, or simply a heritage enthusiast who is an expert on the over 100,000 tombs in Bukit Brown Cemetery. This year’s event is also significant in that it is likely to be the last tour of Senoko Fishery Port as it has been slated for permanent closure.

A key highlight for the festival this year is Chinatown Complex, a heritage stronghold that goes beyond its wares. Weaving the stories of decades-long friendships and the finesse of skilled craftsmen, retrace the daily routes and routines of these friendly shop owners with close to 50 different activities around the complex to choose from.

• My Chinatown Complex Tours: From fruit juice sellers to cheongsam makers, join some of these stallholders and shopkeepers as they give you a tour of Chinatown Complex, a building that is more than mere function, packed with stories and conversations.
• Let’s Talk About My Chinatown Complex: Domain experts such as artists, photographers, food bloggers, architects and historians will be here to share on the things that give Chinatown meaning.
• Performances @ My Chinatown Complex: Chinatown Complex is a hub of artistic activity, and this programme has events ranging from Chinese Opera to calligraphy and seal-carving, for an enriching hour of performances.

Uncover the hidden heritage that lies within our everyday activities at My Community Festival 2023. With a diverse array of engaging events and tours, the festival invites you to connect with the stories, traditions, and people that shape Singapore’s cultural tapestry. Don’t miss out on this remarkable celebration of our shared heritage.