Having a rich mixture of cultures in Singapore means that there's always a cultural event to celebrate, all throughout the year. Being a culturally open and sensitive society, Singapore has managed to acquire a unique identity while still retaining the various groups' traditional practices, customs and festivals.

This issue of Festivals depicts 4 of these major festivals, namely: Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas. In addition, look out for the Special Collector's Sheet which features all the 8 stamp designs, which is printed with special foiling technique.

Chinese New Year Most important of the traditional Chinese holidays, the Chinese New Year usher in the new lunar year. The mood of celebrations will continue for 15 days, with the exuberant Chingay Procession rounding up as the close of the festive season.

Hari Raya Puasa An important religious day of the year for Muslims in Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting and alms-giving.

Deepavali Deepavali, also known as "Festival of Lights", is much celebrated worldwide and for Hindus and Sikhs in Singapore. On this day, Hindus traditionally light rows of oil lamps to thank the gods and to usher in all that's good.

Christmas Christmas is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and is celebrated throughout the Christian population as well as many non-Christians as a secular, cultural festival. Modern customs of the holiday eventually evolved, with gift-giving and Church celebrations.