Kreta Ayer Square

What is Qixi Festival, you ask? Often dubbed the Chinese Valentine’s Day, the traditional festival is also recognised as a time to show off your skills and craftsmanship. Themed Crafting Flavours That Inspire, this year’s edition of Qixi Fest celebrates our local flavours and food heritage by putting artisans, kopi brewers, chefs and culinary practitioners in the spotlight, featuring a lineup of interactive exhibitions, performances and immersive experiences. Explore the craft behind Chinese and Nanyang flavours, such as sugar sculpting and wok mastery at Become 食神 (God of Culinary), or feast your way through a specially curated five-course menu with Qixi Banquet Under the Stars. Otherwise, you can sign up for one of the heritage tours taking place throughout the festival duration, including a closer look at the Samsui women. As you trace their footsteps through Chinatown, you’ll also get to learn more about their daily routines and contributions to Singapore’s early development. Want to discover history through crafts instead? There are plenty of workshops happening as well. Get to know the elaborate steps that go into preparing a Teochew Gongfu Tea Ceremony, learn how to crochet local treats like ang ku kueh and putu mayam, and craft your own qiaoguo, a traditional pastry that’s usually enjoyed during Qixi.