Gemilang Kampong Gelam Returns with a 35-Day Ramadan Bazaar, Celebrating Heritage, Community and Sustainability

• Festivities will kick off with the first-ever Kampong Charity Run 2025, in collaboration with Drugfree SG.

• Bazaar brings together 120 F&B and retail partners alongside exciting new experiences like the Kampong Gelam Tour, Mystery Treasure Hunt, Stamp Rally and interactive cultural workshops in line with SG60.

• Join the precinct’s annual Mass Iftar, uniting 1,000 attendees including beneficiaries for a communal break fast along Arab Street.

SINGAPORE, 6 February 2025 — Gemilang Kampong Gelam (GKG) 2025 returns for its fifth edition of iconic Ramadan festivities from 19 February to 25 March 2025. Presented by One Kampong Gelam and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), this highly anticipated festival celebrates the vibrant heritage of Singapore’s oldest urban district during the Islamic holy month.

Following its incredible success in 2024, which saw 1.1 million visitors across the month – almost doubled the footfall from 2023 – this year’s celebration spotlights the three pillars of heritage, community and sustainability with an exciting line-up of experiences that will entertain local and regional visitors of all ages. Across the 35 days, look forward to a myriad of tantalising culinary delights, a dazzling and immersive Sultan Mosque Lightshow, hands-on workshops, and captivating traditional and contemporary performances.

As a tribute to Kampong Gelam’s enduring cultural legacy and marking SG60, this year’s event also introduces several firsts such as the Kampong Charity Run 2025, in collaboration with Drugfree SG, Kampong Tour around the precinct, Mystery Treasure Hunt, and Stamp Rally. Ahead of the end of Ramadan, Kampong Gelam will also host the precinct’s annual communal Iftar, bringing together 1,000 attendees.

“Gemilang Kampong Gelam is more than just a celebration; it is a reflection of our shared heritage, bringing together people from diverse cultures and religions to honour the history and vibrancy of this beloved precinct. This year’s festivities highlight Kampong Gelam’s rich tapestry of traditions while casting our eyes toward a brighter future. We look forward to welcoming Singaporeans and visitors of all ages to enjoy this month-long celebration,” said Mr. Zaki Ma’arof, Chairman of One Kampong Gelam (OKG).

Kampong Charity Run 2025: Promoting Awareness and Healthy Living

Lace up your running shoes and join the community for an inspiring day of health, compassion, and giving back! As a lead-up to GKG, festivities will kick-off with the Kampong Charity Run 2025, in collaboration with Drugfree SG and the Big Boyz Run Club. Happening on 15 February (Saturday), 6am to 10am, this first-ever initiative aims to promote drug-free awareness and encourage healthy living as Muslims young and old prepare themselves physically and mentally for Ramadan.

The event will feature a dedicated booth by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore, offering resources and information on drug-free awareness. Participants will also have the opportunity to speak with volunteers from Drug Free SG, including ex-drug abusers to find out more about their journeys. Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State for Ministry of Home Affairs and National Development, will grace the Kampong Charity Run 2025 as Guest-of-Honour as part of his continual efforts towards a drug-free Singapore.

This 2.4km run spanning across the Kampong Gelam district is expected to bring together 200 participants. All proceeds will go towards Kampong Gelam Community Centre’s beneficiaries, providing meals and support to individuals and families in need in line with the season’s spirit of giving and community. Please find more details about the run in Annex A.

A Month-Long Celebration of Community and Heritage

Look forward to the official opening of Gemilang Kampong Gelam on 21 February (Friday) officiated by Guest-of-Honours Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State for Ministry of Home Affairs and National Development; and Ms Denise Phua, Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC.

Across the 35 days, GKG 2025 will transform Kampong Gelam into an exhilarating mix of unique experiences where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Ramadan Bazaar. From a myriad of culinary delights to a mystery treasure hunt, here are some highlights to expect:

• Food and Retail Bazaar: Get ready for a feast of the senses with 80 food and beverage partners coming alive in the precinct. Featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary culinary delights, it is promised to be a real treat for both the young and old.

We welcome back the House of Lemang, Picanhas and Satay Ummi for yet another year of showcase at the Kampong Gelam Ramadan Bazaar. As three of the longest-running brands that have been present since the bazaar’s inauguration in 2021, these are crowd favourites not to be missed. If you’re looking for an interesting fusion of flavours, check out the ever-popular Smashed Burger, tacos at Al Papi or try out the uniquely flavoured croissants from Flamboyant Goon. Also, don’t forget to wrap up your meal on a sweet note with the various dessert options such as Kunafa from ALAA or Turkish ice cream from Turkuaz.

What’s more, those in a mood to shop will be delighted by the array of options available. Featuring a mix of trendy and traditional brands from the likes of Baju Fifty-Eight, Deanqaisara and Pretty Sugar, you will be spoiled for choices from the array of delicious festive cookies, traditional Malay desserts and Muslim festive decorations!

• Hands-on Workshops: Looking to engage in some activities in the midst of all the feasting? This year, GKG brings together four special workshops that celebrates the precinct’s past and present heritage.

• Arabic Calligraphy by Erwan Bar: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Arabic calligraphy with local artist Erwan Bar. Participants will learn the delicate art of Arabic lettering and create their own personalised calligraphy piece to take home. Held on selected Thursdays and Fridays, this workshop offers a hands-on cultural experience celebrating the elegance of Islamic script.

• Arts by Hanisa M: Unleash your creativity in this art workshop where you get to transform everyday objects into art! Design stunning Batik patterns on coasters, wooden frames and vases in this session that is perfect for all ages. This session runs from 12pm to 2pm and 4pm to 6pm on selected Thursdays and Fridays.

• Workshops by Seni Sini – A ground-up initiative aimed at making arts accessible in Singapore, Seni Sini will present a range of free workshopsincluding a communal art installation where visitors can leave their unique marks; interactive Dikir Barat Puppet Play where participants will get to create mini puppet characters, learn Dikir Barat movements and craft their own paper tanjak (Malay headdress), and many more! Seni Sini’s sessions will be running on selected dates throughout the bazaar.

• Coffee Revive: A sustainable twist on everyday habits, the Coffee Revive Workshop guides participants in transforming used coffee grounds into luxurious exfoliating soaps. Collaborating with local cafes in Kampong Gelam such as 60 ALLEY Bakes & Coffee, Rumi, and No Strangers Here, this eco-friendly experience runs every Saturday from 12pm to 2pm.

All workshops, except those conducted by Seni Sini, are priced at $20 per person. Please see Annex B for further details.

• Sultan Mosque Light Show: Synonymous with the Kampong Gelam Ramadan Bazaar, the Sultan Mosque Light Show is back with yet another year of mesmerising visuals. This year, visitors can look forward to an immersive 5.1 Surround Sound auditory experience featuring an original score by acclaimed Singaporean music composer Mr Sha’aban Yahya (see Annex C).

Against the evocative music, the mosque’s façade will be illuminated with stunning visuals that represent Ramadan, including date trees, olives, and ketupat. These elements are carefully selected to symbolise community, renewal and the beauty of tradition that defines this special month. The light show will happen every Friday to Sunday from 7:40pm to 9pm (in 15 minutes intervals barring evening prayer calls) across the bazaar period.

• Captivating performances: Indulge in the cultural richness of Kampong Gelam by enjoying a series of traditional and contemporary performances. Every Saturday across the five weekends, look forward to the uplifting Joget Parade, a traditional Malay dance performance that celebrates unity and togetherness. Featuring a mix of uniquely Malay elements, this rousing number is bound to entertain with its moving entourage of traditional Malay dance, Pencak Silat, and Kompang performers, all against the beautiful backdrop of the Masjid Sultan. What’s more, catch your favourite Malay celebrities on the weekends including Hannah Delisha, Mimifly and Beto Kusyairi. You will even get the chance to meet and greet with them at the Celebrity Booth!

Not to worry if you are visiting GKG on the weekdays instead – there is an equally exciting line-up of performances for you! Housed at the Sultan Gate Park stage, catch contestants from the popular Kaki Nyanyi reality singing competition live or appreciate a range of classic Malay performances including Traditional Tarian (traditional dances with historical roots), Dikir Barat (a Malay musical art form involving group singing, poetry, music and movement), and Kompang performances (a traditional drum ensemble).

• Exciting New Additions: As part of SG60 this year and as the country reflects on its history, GKG is delighted to introduce three new activities that encourages visitors to better appreciate the hidden nooks of Singapore’s vibrant historical quarter. These include:

• Kampong Tour: Guided by Let’s Go Tour, explore the historical and cultural gems of Kampong Gelam through this two-hour tour that brings visitors to the majestic Masjid Sultan and through the bustling streets of Kandahar Street. Soak in the magical atmosphere that defines the precinct during this holy month while looking forward to interactive stations that includes tastings of various traditional Malay delicacies and desserts.

All tour participants will also enjoy a S$15 Ramadan Bazaar voucher to fully experience the festivities through the delicious offerings of the GKG food bazaar.

• Kampong Hunt (Mystery Treasure Hunt): Uncover Gemilang Kampong Gelam 2025 coins hidden across five key areas within Kampong Gelam and stand a chance to win up to S$8,000 in cash! Held each week, participants will be encouraged to ask for clues from participating stores, underscoring the spirit of community as they hunt for the various items. For a little more help, look out on social media where hints will be dropped too.

• Stamp Rally: Bring home a postcard souvenir while exploring the various streets of Kampong Gelam. With coloured stamps located at four key locations, visitors can collect these stamps to complete a postcard souvenir to commemorate their journey.

Please see Annex B for full details of bazaar activities.

Mass Iftar: Kampong Gelam’s Annual Communal Break Fast

On 22 March (Saturday), 6:30pm, the streets of Kampong Gelam will come alive with the spirit of unity and generosity as GKG 2025 hosts the precinct’s annual communal Iftar. The Mass Iftar will bring together 1,000 participants including One Kampong Gelam partners and beneficiaries from Jalan Besar GRC to break fast along Arab Street. Expect a night of togetherness and meaningful connections as the community comes together in gratitude to celebrate the end of a day of fasting.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Elevating its sustainability commitment this year, GKG 2025 will also pilot several new green initiatives. This year, the event partners with Gorental.SG to deploy clean battery generators that are 100% solar-powered. Emitting zero air and noise pollution, these generators lower the event’s carbon footprint for a greener month-long experience. In addition, visitors who bring their own water bottles will enjoy drinks at a discounted price from across all drink partners at the bazaar. Close to half of all F&B booths will also adopt recycled packaging materials.

Gemilang Kampong Gelam 2025 is supported by Coca-Cola and PARKROYAL on Beach Road as its Official Beverage Partner and Official Hotel Partner respectively.

The event will open daily from 19 February to 25 March from 2pm to 11pm from Monday to Thursday, and till 11:30pm from Friday to Sunday.

For more information and the latest updates, head to Visit Kampong Gelam’s Facebook and Instagram.