The holy month of Ramadan marks the lead-up to Hari Raya and kicks off this year‘s Kampong Gelam Ramadan Bazaar at One Kampong Gelam. Stretching for almost five weeks from 2 March – 5 April, 2pm – 11pm, the fourth edition of this annual celebration is set to be bigger and better than ever.
Revellers can look forward to over 100 F&B and retail vendors selling delicacies and handicrafts, live cooking shows, light projections, traditional dance performances, and much more spread across Kandahar Street, Muscat Street and Baghdad Street in the heart of Kampong Gelam.
Always buzzy and beautiful, this event on Singapore’s packed cultural calendar is not to be missed. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere, sample local food, and enjoy the fun as the sun goes down around Bugis and the good times begin. Here’s what to look out for:
1. Light projections
This year’s Ramadan Bazaar happens to coincide with Sultan Mosque’s 200th-year celebration, so prepare for even more spectacular light projections in commemoration of this. Look out for fancy shapes shining onto the walls of Sultan Mosque every Friday to Sunday of the bazaar at 7:30pm.
2. Local films
Settle down for screenings of local documentaries and web series in Sultan Gate Park every night between 5:30pm – 10pm. Grab a takeaway before you pitch up and enjoy an open air screening as you dine. Documentary themes include travel, horror, and taboo (oooh!).
3. Live music
Not a film buff? Malaysian singers Tomok and Alif Satar, plus local talent Taufik Batisah are just some of the acts you can look forward to who’ll be putting on live performances and serenading you as you shop.
4. Cool art
This year’s bazaar will see the unveiling of the “Three Arch Design” art exhibition, also at Sultan Gate Park. These arches tell the lesser-known stories of the history of Kampong Gelam and come with a web series that visitors can watch online via QR codes on the arches.
5. Food, glorious food!
For now there are 80 F&B stalls and food trucks lined up to serve all manner of global culinary treats so no-one’s going to go hungry. While specifics remain under wraps, mainstays such as Broti and Kream will be returning.
6. A mass iftar
Want to be a record breaker? Take part in a scheduled mass iftar on 23 March at 7pm. Space is being made for 1,500 participants over 240 metres of Arab Street. Everyone is welcome and proceeds of the iftar will go to Sultan Mosque and other beneficiaries.
7. Bike action
On 17 and 24 March, more than 200 bikers will be riding from Ford Road to Kampong Gelam in a bid to give back to the community. The funds raised from the merch sold to bikers will be distributed to the event’s charity partners too.
8. And there’s more!
If you’re interested to discover more about the history of Kampong Gelam and the holy month of Ramadan during this special time, check out ANZA Tours. Our Kampong Gelam Ramadan Food Bazaar and Islamic Heritage tour on 26 March focuses on the people who settled in the area back in the day and continue to practice Islamic traditions. You’ll see mosques, learn about the bazaar, and visit specialty shops. Log on here for more info and to sign up.
Find further updates about the bazaar on Instagram here. Note that the bazaar will end on 5 April, four days before the end of Ramadan, as the organiser wants to make sure the precinct is in “tip-top condition” for prayers.
