Inaugural Hinghwa Food & Cultural Festival Set to Enchant Orchard Road from 12-17 March 2024

Singapore is gearing up for a cultural feast as the inaugural Hinghwa Food and Cultural Festival is all set to unfold from March 12 to 17, 2024, at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza on the bustling Orchard Road. Organized by the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network and supported by the Putian Municipal People’s Government and the Putian Association, this six-day extravaganza aims to immerse the public in the vibrant heritage, culture, and cuisine of the Hinghwa community.

A Culinary Journey of Authentic Hinghwa Dishes

With over 20 types of authentic Hinghwa dishes, the Festival promises a gastronomic adventure that will tantalize taste buds and provide a unique insight into Hinghwa culinary traditions. Visitors can indulge in a diverse array of dishes, each carrying the essence of Hinghwa flavors, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance behind each creation.

Cultural Performances and Handicrafts Galore

Beyond the culinary delights, the Festival will showcase traditional and delightful Hinghwa cultural performances and handicrafts. One of the key highlights is the Puxian opera, an ancient art form with roots dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties. Renowned opera troupe performers from China will present “踏伞行” (Ta San Xing), a performance that captured national attention during its debut at the Spring Festival Gala 2023. The opera clinched the prestigious “Wenhua Award” at the thirteenth China Art Festival, solidifying its acclaim in the performing arts scene.

Kungfu Mastery by Southern Temple Shaolin Monks

Adding an adrenaline-charged dimension to the Festival, the Southern Temple Shaolin Monks will showcase their Kungfu mastery, treating the audience to high-energy performances. Edu-tainment segments will further enhance the cultural experience, allowing the public to gain a deeper understanding of Hinghwa heritage while enjoying the specialties and performances.

Discover the History with Exclusive Books

For those keen to delve into the history of Hinghwas in Singapore, the Festival offers the opportunity to purchase insightful books such as “The History and Stories of the Hinghwa People” and “Notable Hinghwa People in Singapore,” published by the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network.

Rich History of Hinghwa Community

The Hinghwa community, which arrived in Singapore in the late 19th century from Putian, holds a distinctive history and cultural identity. Putian, also known as Henghua or Hinghwa, Hin Ann, and Puxian, is a city in East China’s Fujian province, designated as a national historical and cultural city. According to the 2020 Census of Population, there are approximately 27,000 Hinghwa people in Singapore, though it is believed that many more may identify themselves within the Hokkien dialect group.