For a month each year Taoists believe the gates of Hell are opened to allow the spirits of the dead to roam the earth. To appease these ghosts, outdoor entertainment and lavish feasts are offered to satisfy the restless spirits and to ward off bad fortune in their lives. Celebratory dinners are held, and shows and concerts such as traditional puppetry and Chinese opera take place on every street corner. In addition, candles and joss sticks are lit in front of homes and small altars are set up where money, incense and paper goods in the shape of furniture and other everyday objects are burnt as an offering for the ghosts to use in the afterlife. For more information email stb_sog@stb.gov.sg or contact the Singapore Tourism Board on +65 736 6622.

Venue: Chinatown

Date: July to August 2012 TBA