Singapore is a city-state renowned for its diversity, modernity, and passion for innovation. Beyond the skyscrapers, shopping malls, and Michelin-starred restaurants, Singaporeans also have a knack for creating and participating in some of the most unusual competitions in the world. Here are some of the most interesting ones that will make you want to join in on the fun.
1. International Pillow Fight Day
Every year in April, Singaporeans take to the streets for the International Pillow Fight Day. Participants, armed with soft pillows, gather at a pre-determined location and engage in an epic pillow fight. The event is open to everyone, and participants are encouraged to dress up in their wackiest costumes. The sight of grown adults in superhero outfits and bunny ears flinging pillows at each other is truly a sight to behold.
2. Sentosa FunFest
The Sentosa FunFest is a yearly event that brings together all sorts of fun competitions, from beach volleyball to human foosball. The highlight of the festival, however, is the Battle Bay Extreme competition, where teams of four compete in a water-based obstacle course. The course includes inflatable slides, climbing walls, and a giant hamster wheel. It’s a great way to get wet and wild while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Sentosa Island.
3. Singapore Kindness Movement’s National Courtesy Campaign
Singaporeans take their reputation as the “Garden City” very seriously, and this extends to their attitudes towards kindness and courtesy. Every year, the Singapore Kindness Movement launches its National Courtesy Campaign, which includes competitions aimed at promoting kindness and graciousness in the community. One such competition is the “Speak Good English” movement, where participants compete to create catchy slogans and posters promoting proper English usage.
4. Singapore Dragon Boat Festival
The Singapore Dragon Boat Festival is a celebration of the traditional Chinese sport of dragon boat racing. The event takes place every year in June and sees teams from all over the world gather to compete in races along the Singapore River. The highlight of the festival is the Grand Dragon Boat Race, where teams battle it out in a 200m sprint to the finish line. It’s a thrilling sight to see the colourful boats with dragon heads and tails, and the synchronized paddling of the team members.
5. Singapore World Gourmet Summit
Singaporeans are known for their love of food, and the World Gourmet Summit is a testament to that passion. The event is a celebration of haute cuisine, with top chefs from all over the world showcasing their culinary skills. The summit includes competitions such as the Asian Pastry Cup, where pastry chefs from around the region compete to create the most innovative and delicious desserts.
In conclusion, Singapore is a city-state that never fails to surprise with its unique blend of modernity and tradition. The unusual competitions mentioned above are just a few examples of the quirky and fun events that Singaporeans participate in. From pillow fights to dragon boat racing, there is no shortage of exciting and unconventional activities to join in on.
