Getai ("song stage" in Mandarin) is a phenomenon unique to Singapore. YL tells me that they take place occasionally in Malaysia, but I have not seen one in the Singaporean style at all.
It is a free open-air night concert held in the common areas of the HDB blocks (Housing Development Board aka Singapore government housing). Performers typically sing in Hokkien or Mandarin, and are not unusually made up of middle-aged aunties and uncles showcasing their dance moves in the latest gaudiest, sparkliest, and stretchiest costumes. They are usually held during the Chinese Ghost Festival month (7th month of the lunar year) and during certain Chinese folk festivals as entertainment for the gods, deities and mortals alike.
We checked one out yesterday night near our flat, and were not disappointed by the gaudy glamour :) If you are interested in this fascinating lifestyle, I highly recommend watching Royston Tan's musical-comedy-drama 881.
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