Singapore is a "burning cauldron" in which diverse and vibrant cultures are cooked: Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnic groups. The influx of foreigners over the past few years has given the state a cosmopolitan image and multi-cultural life in Singapore. Each ethnic community maintains its own unique way of life, while harmonizing life with representatives of other cultures. Given its unique mix of cultures and peoples, Singapore has a very attractive calendar of events with holidays and celebrations all year round. Festivals range from religious celebrations to socio-cultural celebrations and sporting events.
Singapore celebrates festivals that are specific to each of the ethnic groups and their respective religions. In addition, some important anniversaries are celebrated throughout the islands by all residents. These significant religious holidays and important dates are declared as public holidays in Singapore. There are ten annual holidays in Singapore: New Years Day; Chinese New Year; Good Friday; Labor Day; Vesak day; Singapore National Day; Hari Raya Puasa; Deepavali Festival of Lights; Hari Raya Haji; Christmas Day.
New Year in Singapore
Calendar New Year - Monday, January 1, 2018, begins with celebrations, and every new year turns into a real holiday in Singapore. There are several places where New Year's greetings and folk festivities take place. The most popular are the parties at The Marina Bay Singapore Countdown and Siloso Beach Party in Sentosa. Most Singaporeans frequent these places and come here to witness public performances and spectacular fireworks displays. Other popular activities can be seen along Orchard Road, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay.
Chinese New Year in Singapore
Chinese New Year - Friday 16 February 2018 - is one of the most anticipated holidays in Singapore. The festival begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar, which is usually held between the last week of January and the beginning of February. Preparations begin a couple of weeks before the Chinese New Year and the city takes on a special festive spirit during this period. Families celebrate the holiday by participating in a reunion festival, punctuating the celebrations with New Year's visits from relatives and friends, exchanging hongbao (red envelopes containing cash gifts), giving small tangerine trees to symbolize prosperity, and visiting temples. The center of all the activity is brightly lit Chinatown, which features impressive decorations and Chinese lanterns lining the streets.
Most Chinese families flock to this ethnic quarter to enjoy its many sights and sounds of enchanting melodies, as well as taste traditional Chinese delicacies. Most shopping malls are decorated with traditional designs using the auspicious colors of red and gold and offer attractive discounts and promotions. The famous lion and dragon dances are held in Chinatown, as well as along the Singapore River on both sides of the piers. Chinese New Year celebrations end on the 15th day of the new year, just like the Spring Lantern Festival. Ten days after the Lantern Festival, it's time for Singapore's big parade known as the Chingay Parade, a street and sea parade with performances ranging from acrobatics to traditional dancing.
Running Festival Green Corridor
Following the success of previous years, the Green Corridor Run was held on 6th March 2016 in conjunction with World Water Day celebrations. It was the biggest marathon ever held in Singapore and the most exciting race ever! You can register and take part in future marathons! Taking place along one of the most interesting and beautiful stretches of terrain in Singapore, the ten and a half kilometer run starts at the historic Tanjong Pagar railway station and follows a green corridor to the old old Bukit Team railway station.
Easter
Easter Day is Sunday, April 8, 2018, one of the significant holiday events among Christians around the world. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as written in the Christian bible.
Restaurant Week
The annual Singapore restaurant exhibition "Singapore Restaurant Week" will be held from 19 to 26 March 2017 for the 13th time. For this festival, you can always reserve seats in the best restaurants in Singapore and taste almost all the most famous delicacies of Southeast Asia.
Singapore Fashion Festival
Singapore Fashion Festival is an annual two-week festival that aims to make Singapore the fashion capital of the Southeast Asian region. The festival hosts collections of international and local designers, fashion shows, exhibitions and fashion-related events.
Annual Yacht Show
The Singapore Yacht Show takes place on Singapore's Sentosa Island from 6 to 9 April 2017. Visitors to the exhibition have the opportunity to get acquainted with the current models of the most beautiful yachts in the world, learn about international yacht brands and even purchase one of the yachts. Held at the ONE°15 Marina Club, this exceptional festival embodies the luxury lifestyle, bringing together world-class yachts, finished with the finest materials and equipped with the finest equipment. The show provides a first-class opportunity for regional visitors to meet professional instructors, boat owners and a select group of invited exhibitors.
Singapore Heritage Festival
Singapore Heritage Fest was initiated to bring awareness to Singapore's diverse cultures and their traditions, cuisine, costumes, music, art through a series of exhibitions, heritage tours, food fairs and cultural events. The festival is an annual event.
World Sevens Series Rugby Tournament
On April 15 and 16, 2017, the largest international rugby competition, the 2017 Singapore World Rugby Sevens Series, will be held at the National Stadium in Singapore. The tournament has been held since 1999 and attracts fans from many countries around the world as one of the fastest growing sports competitions - a thrilling attraction of non-stop action, sporting feats and athleticism. The Singapore national rugby team, which debuted at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has never played at such a high level before. Singapore is hosting the 7th edition of the Rugby World Cup series, joining fellow host cities Vancouver, Sydney, Cape Town and Paris. The series began in Dubai in December 2015.
Singapore Maritime Week
For ten years now, Singapore's leading maritime festival, Singapore Maritime Week, hosted by the Port of Singapore Maritime Authority, has brought together thousands of participants and guests. The festival brings together the international maritime community for a week of conferences, professional dialogues, exhibitions and informal meetings, combined with a celebration of maritime traditions. The maritime association, industrial companies and research institutes and educational institutions, as well as participants with a cosmopolitan profile as festival participants, make Singapore a major international maritime hub.
Vesak Day in Singapore
Vesak Day, Tuesday 29 May 2018, the full moon day of the fourth lunar month, is the most important annual event for the Buddhist community in Singapore. Vesak Day usually falls in the month of May and marks the birth, enlightenment and final Nirvana phase of the Buddha.
Buddhist temples are colorfully decorated with Buddhist flags and lights, and the temples are decorated with flowers, fruits and other offerings. The celebration of Vesak Day is an event in a Closed Hall, open to the public for the duration of the holiday. Some of the most interesting events include vegetarian food fair, public meetings, carol singing. Acts of generosity, known as dana, are carried out by Buddhist organizations and temples. Vesak Day entails celebrations that are less luxurious than most other festivals in Singapore, but deserves special attention from the point of view of developing domestic culture.
Seasonal sales in Singapore
The Great Singapore Sale is one of the most popular and highly anticipated annual events held in Singapore during the months of June and July. Singapore is emerging as a shopping hub and is undergoing a shopping extravaganza with retailers offering discounts on products of up to 70% off the regular price.
Dragon Festival
Dragon Boat Festival, June 18, 2018, the highlight of which is the dragon boat race, which competes to demonstrate the abilities of local and international rowers. Competitive performances are held every year in June. This is also a great time to enjoy traditional rice dumplings, a traditional festival dish, which are also known as The Dumpling Festival.
Ballet under the stars
The annual dance festival "Ballet under the Stars" takes place in Singapore from 16 to 19 March 2017 at the Singapore Dance Theatre, which was founded in 1988 and is the largest in Southeast Asia. The theater is represented by world-class dance performers and has the widest possible repertoire for the art of dance. During each year the theater organizes six performances, including performances by the entire ballet company on the stage of the Esplanade Theatre. Ballet Under the Stars at Fort Canning Park is a classic masterpiece of dance movement performed by the best dancers on the best dance floor.
Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore
Hari Raya Puasa - 24-25 June 2017, commonly known as Eid Ul Fitr in Singapore, is a Hari Raya Puasa festival which is a major festival for the Malay communities in Singapore and usually falls in September or October according to the calendar. Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of the month of Ramadan, the Islamic holy fast. The ancient Geylang Serai street in the cultural center of the Malay Muslim community is well lit and decorated with a festive mood. Also during this holiday, you can visit colorful festive markets and visit numerous food stalls and shops that offer traditional Malay cuisine. Cultural activities such as traditional Malay songs and dances are also part of the celebration. It is customary for families to celebrate the holiday in the most beautiful clothes. Also during the holiday, morning prayers are held in local mosques, which are mandatory for family visits with relatives and friends.
Singapore Food Festival
Singapore Food Festival, held annually in July. This Singapore Food Festival is a festive showcase of local food products. As part of the festival, carnivals, seminars, and joint events are held, focused on the preparation and sale of delicious food.
Gaming industry exhibition
The gaming industry exhibition “C3 Chara Expo” is held in Singapore in the summer and is dedicated to the latest products in the gaming market and their developers. Also, special attention at the exhibition is paid to Japanese manga, anime, games and cosplay fans. In addition to the exhibition taking place over the weekend, Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. organizes the Game & Creative Contents Networking Asia forum, which takes place on the eve of the exhibition. This B2B networking event invites game content providers from the gaming and creative industries in Southeast Asia.
Hungry Ghost Festival
Hungry Ghosts Festival - Tuesday, September 5, 2017, Mid-Autumn Festival, such as Mooncake Festival and Lantern Festival, other Indian festivals, and Easter.
Singapore Art Festival
Singapore Arts Festival, June 29 - September 6, 2017, a popular national arts festival. The festival offers high quality free performances of theatre, dance, music and visual arts, as well as open performances. In addition to local exhibitors, approximately 70% of the works are exhibited by international artists. The festival is usually held annually during May and June.
Singapore National Day
National Day of Singapore - Wednesday, August 9, 2017, this day is also called the National Day Parade, which is held to celebrate the independence of Singapore. It is one of the most awaited annual events for Singaporeans, with National Day attracting around 25,000 spectators every year. Celebrations take place at Marina Bay and include pre-parade preparations, followed by the actual parades and ceremonies, including the popular Presidential Address, which culminates with a celebratory show followed by a spectacular fireworks display. The atmosphere during this period is very tense, and most of the spectators are dressed in the colors of the national flag - red and white. You can also see the National Flag displayed on the facades of most residential buildings throughout the island. It's truly beautiful.
Singapore Night Festival
Singapore Night Festival - a festival of illuminations, dance and music will be held in August 2016. This is an annual cultural event in Singapore, held over two nights in August at Bras Basah Road and Bugis Street, where the entire city turns into a huge stage of street performances, live music, dance and art installations under the cover of darkness. The night extravaganza these days covers the entire city center from Armenian Street, which becomes pedestrian during the entire festival, through Bras Basa Road, including the complexes and buildings of Raffles City, CHIJMES and Plaza Singapura, and to Bugis Street. The festival amazes spectators with laser projections on the buildings of the National Museum and the Art Museum, as well as flying ships and pianos against the backdrop of the Singapore night sky. These interactive light installations have become an annual tradition, attracting large audiences.
Many cultural institutions and museums in Singapore do not close on these nights, but prepare special events and cultural programs. At this time, the streets are filled with informal participants of the festival: street performers, musicians, artists who demonstrate their art, live performances and acoustic performances to all passers-by. And, of course, the holiday is not complete without the traditional gastronomic part - a temporary street food court, Hawker Food Alley, is being formed, where you can try any delicacy of local cuisine.
The Singapore Night Festival is a great chance to see tradition, culture and art in a completely different light.
Hari Raya Haji in Singapore
Hari Raya Haji - Friday, September 17, 2017, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Eid Al Raya Haji. Hari Raya Haji marks the end of the Haji pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca. Hari Raya Haji usually falls in autumn or winter according to the calendar, and the celebrations are similar to Hari Raya Puasa.
Formula 1 Grand Prix in Singapore
"Singapore Grand Prix 2016" is held in Singapore for the eleventh time from 15 to 17 September 2017 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The lucky ones who get to see it will be treated to a fantastic sight! The organizers of the event once again want to raise the bar so that this super event remains in the memory of participants and spectators forever. The auto race itself will be only part of the grandiose action - the organizers are preparing about three hundred different performances, including with the participation of world stars! The Marina Bay Street Circuit, laid out along the city streets, is the fastest of the city circuits - cars accelerate to speeds of about 290 km/h three times during the lap, while it ranks second after Monaco in terms of the lowest average speed per lap.
The Singapore track twists counterclockwise, just like in Turkey and Brazil. It should be noted that a unique temporary fence is installed immediately before the races, so as not to disturb city residents and numerous tourists. The main difference between this track is the uniform artificial lighting, in which night races are visible as during the day, but the light sources do not blind the racers. The total lighting power is more than three million watts! Drive, unpredictability, and special entertainment make the Singapore race truly unforgettable.
Sun Festival in Singapore
Singapore Sun Festival takes place in October. The Singapore Sun Festival is an integrated lifestyle event, celebrating the "art of living well" through seven key disciplines including music, film, visual arts, literature, cuisine, wine drinking and wellness.
Deepavali Festival of Lights in Singapore
Deepavali, The Festival of Lights - Wednesday 18 October 2017, is the most important festival in the Hindu calendar and the most significant festival of the Indian community in Singapore. Deepavali celebrations typically fall in October or November on the calendar, with celebrations beginning in the coming weeks in the Indian ethnic neighborhood called Little India. Celebrating the triumph of good over evil or light over darkness, the streets of Little India are decorated with colored lights and traditional decorations.
Roadside stalls sell terracotta lamps, flowers and other traditional decorative items. The shops offer a wide range of sweets to suit all tastes, from Indian sweets to souvenirs. People celebrate the Reunion Festival by visiting the houses of relatives, friends, exchanging sweets, lighting houses with lamps and visiting temples. There are a number of cultural holidays that are celebrated during this period. Since Singapore has a fireworks ban, most families get together to light sparklers at the end of the evening.
Christmas in Singapore
Christmas - Monday 25 December 2017 is considered the most enchanting time of the year, and the festive spirit in Singapore can already be felt a week before Christmas. The seventh week of the extravaganza is called “Christmas in the Tropics”. This is the time to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, this happens every year from the end of November and continues until the New Year. Singapore's famous Orchard Road and Marina Bay streets are getting a makeover during this period, receiving festive lighting, festive arches, and themed decorations.
During the holiday, you can get a variety of experiences: Christmas performances by a choir group, which are offered by professional musicians, watch performances by local dancers; watch the Parade of Floats; the popular outdoor dance festival ZoukOut, which takes place on Sentosa Island (organized by one of Singapore's popular nightclubs); and many others. Adding to all the festive aura, shopping malls feature specially designed displays and stunning Christmas decorations. Many shopping centers and stores offer special shopping discounts, even late at night. Families visit relatives and friends and enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner.
Singapore International Film Festival
Singapore International Film Festival, the largest event in the Singapore film industry and one of the premier film festivals in Asia. SIFF takes place annually in April. The festival screens more than two hundred international films of all genres, with special attention paid to innovative Asian cinema. In addition to films, professional workshops, seminars and film exhibitions are held during the festival.
Festival M1
M1 Singapore Fringe Festival is a twelve-day annual festival of theatre, arts, film, dance, visual arts and music created and organized in Singapore for international artists. It is usually held annually at the end of January. The festival is a center for attracting the best works of contemporary artists, an exhibition of cutting-edge artistic and other works, designed for a social audience in Singapore.
The smallest Asian state, Singapore is also the most multi-religious, and therefore the list of its public, secular and religious holidays includes Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu. By law, Singapore holidays falling on a Sunday continue as a day off on the following Monday.
Let's look at the calendar
On January 1, Singaporeans, together with all progressive humanity, celebrate the onset of the new year, but after it their calendar has its own unique holiday features:
- At the beginning of February comes Singapore's main winter holiday - Chinese New Year. According to statistics, the Chinese make up almost four-fifths of the country's population.
- The beginning of May is marked by the onset of Labor Day, and at the end of spring Vesak comes to the homes of Singaporeans - the birthday, enlightenment and departure of Gautama Buddha. Almost half of the country's population professes Buddhism, which is why this holiday is one of the most beloved in Singapore.
- The main secular red day of the calendar in the country is called Independence Day. It is reminiscent of Victory Day in Russia - a military parade, folk festivities and evening fireworks as its apotheosis.
- Hari Raya Pusa marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims, while Deepavali is celebrated in early November for Hindus.
- In December, Singaporeans decorate their Christmas trees and celebrate their favorite winter holiday along with all Christians on the planet.
Oil Lamp Day
The main Hindu holiday in Singapore is also called the Festival of Lights. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and as a sign of this, oil lamps, candles and lanterns are lit throughout the country. The date of Deepavali is variable and largely coincides with the end of the harvest. Hindus honor this day as the beginning of a new period in life, and therefore give each other gifts.
The main spectacular component of Deepavali comes at sunset, when, in addition to the traditional illumination, the sky is colored with flashes of fireworks and fireworks. Events take place throughout the country and last for several days.
In honor of Buddha
The Vesak holiday is an equally colorful event in the life of Singaporeans who profess Buddhism. It usually falls at the end of spring and its main signs are paper lanterns on a light wooden frame and oil lamps placed around temples.
During Vesak, numerous Buddhist rituals are performed, and residents bring food to the temples and walk around them three times in honor of the Buddha.
Warding off evil spirits
The beginning of the Chinese New Year usually falls in February. This great Singapore holiday lasts for several days and includes fireworks and festivities, parades and festive dinners, the presentation of gifts to family and friends and nights full of explosions of firecrackers and firecrackers. Red envelopes are used as congratulatory messages.
Singapore is a burning cauldron of diverse and vibrant cultures: Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnic groups. The influx of foreigners over the past few years has given Singapore a cosmopolitan image and made life in Singapore multi-cultural. Each ethnic community maintains its own unique way of life, while harmonizing life with representatives of other cultures. Given its unique mix of cultures and peoples, Singapore has a very attractive calendar of events with holidays and celebrations all year round. Festivals range from religious celebrations to socio-cultural celebrations and sporting events.
Below you can take a look at the list of popular holidays and festivals that take place in Singapore and mark it in red on your calendar to visit the city during the celebrations and experience the real culture at its best.
Guide to Public Holidays in Singapore
Singapore celebrates festivals that are specific to each of the ethnic groups and their respective religions. In addition, some important anniversaries are celebrated throughout the island by all residents. These significant religious holidays and important dates are declared as public holidays in Singapore. There are 10 annual holidays in Singapore:
— New Year (New Years Day);
— Chinese New Year;
— Good Friday;
— Labor Day;
— Vesak day;
— National Day of Singapore;
— Hari Raya Puasa;
— Festival of Lights Deepavali;
— Hari Raya Haji;
- Christmas Day.
Popular Religious Festivals Celebrated in Singapore 
New Year in Singapore
The year begins with celebrations and every new year is heralded with a real celebration in Singapore. There are several places where New Year's greetings and party performances for the public take place. The most popular are the waterfront events at The Marina Bay Singapore Countdown and the Siloso Beach Party in Sentosa.
Most Singaporeans frequent these places and come here to witness public performances and spectacular fireworks displays. Other popular activities can be seen along Orchard Road, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay.
Chinese New Year in Singapore
Chinese New Year is one of the most anticipated celebrations in Singapore. The festival begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar, which is usually held between the last week of January and the beginning of February.
Preparations begin a couple of weeks before the Chinese New Year and the city takes on a special festive spirit during this period. Families celebrate the holiday by participating in a reunion festival, punctuating the New Year celebrations with family visits from relatives and friends, exchanges of hongbao (red envelopes containing cash gifts), gifting of small tangerine trees (symbolizing prosperity), and visits to temples.
The center of all the activity is the brightly lit Chinatown, decorated with impressive decorations and Chinese lanterns that can be seen along the street. Most Chinese families flock to this ethnic quarter to enjoy its many sights and sounds, as well as sample traditional Chinese delicacies. Most shopping malls are decorated with traditional designs in the auspicious colors of red and gold and offer attractive discounts and promotions.
The famous lion and dragon dances are held in Chinatown, as well as along the Singapore River on both sides of the piers. Chinese New Year celebrations end on the 15th day of the new year, just like the Spring Lantern Festival.
Ten days after the Lantern Festival, it's time for Singapore's big parade known as the Chingay Parade, a street and sea parade with performances ranging from acrobatics to traditional dancing.
Vesak Day in Singapore
Vesak Day, the full moon day of the fourth lunar month, is the most important annual event for the Buddhist community in Singapore. Vesak day usually falls in the month of May and marks the birth, enlightenment and final phase of Nirvana of the Buddha.
Buddhist temples are colorfully decorated with Buddhist flags and lights, and the temples are decorated with flowers, fruits and other offerings. The Vesak Day celebration is an indoor event open to the public. Some of the most interesting incidents include: vegetarian food fair, public meetings, hymn singing, etc. Acts of generosity, known as dana, are carried out by Buddhist organizations and temples. Vesak Day entails celebrations that are less luxurious than most other festivals in Singapore.
Deepavali Festival of Lights in Singapore
Deepavali or the Festival of Lights is the most important festival in the Hindu calendar and the most significant festival of the Indian community in Singapore. Deepavali celebrations usually fall in October or November, with celebrations beginning in the coming weeks in the Indian ethnic neighborhood called Little India. Celebrating the triumph of good over evil or light over darkness, the streets of Little India are decorated with colored lights and traditional decorations. Roadside stalls sell terracotta lamps, flowers and other traditional decorative items. The shops offer a wide range of sweets to suit all tastes, from Indian sweets to souvenirs.
Families celebrate the Reunion Festival by visiting homes, exchanging sweets with family and friends, lighting up houses with lamps and visiting temples. There are a number of cultural holidays that are celebrated during this period. Since Singapore has a fireworks ban, most families get together to light sparklers at the end of the evening.
Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore
Commonly known as Eid Ul Fitr in Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa is a major festival for the Malay communities in Singapore and usually falls in the month of September or October.
Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of the month of Ramadan, the Islamic holy fast. The ancient Geylang Serai street in the cultural center of the Malay Muslim community is well lit and decorated with a festive mood. Also during this holiday, you can visit colorful festive markets and visit numerous food stalls that offer traditional Malay cuisine.
Cultural activities such as traditional Malay songs and dances are also part of the celebration. Families celebrate them in their best clothes. Also during this time, early morning prayer meetings take place at local mosques and family visits to relatives and friends.
Hari Raya Haji in Singapore
Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Eid Al Raya Haji, Hari Raya Haji marks the end of the Haji pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
Hari Raya Haji usually falls in the month of November or December and the celebrations are similar to the Hari Raya Puasa festival.
Christmas in Singapore
Christmas is considered the most enchanting time of the year, and the festive spirit can already be felt in Singapore a week before Christmas. The seventh week of the extravaganza is called “Christmas in the Tropics”. This is the time to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, this happens every year from the end of November and continues until the New Year.
Singapore's famous Orchard Road and Marina Bay streets are getting a makeover during this period, receiving festive lighting, festive arches, and themed decorations.
During Singapore's prime night time, you can enjoy a variety of entertainment options along Orchard Road. During this period, the festive season includes: Christmas celebrations with choir themed events, you are invited to listen to musicians perform, watch performances from local dancers; you can watch the Parade of Floats; the popular outdoor dance festival ZoukOut, which takes place in Sentosa (organized by ZoukOut, one of Singapore's popular nightclubs); and many other events.
Adding to all the festive aura, malls feature specially designed displays and stunning Christmas decorations. Many malls and stores offer special shopping deals, even late at night. Families visit relatives and friends and enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner.
Other religious festivals in Singapore: Hungry Ghosts Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival such as Mooncake Festival and Lantern Festival, other Indian festivals, and Easter, etc.
Social - cultural and sports festivals in Singapore
I look forward to your letters and questions about Singapore by email [email protected] . We will be happy to advise you on the entire procedure for moving to Singapore and obtaining permission to work or conduct business in the city-state.
If you like articles about Singapore on the blog, and you have become fans of this magnificent state, please support our blog by clicking on the icon under the article. I promise you even more interesting and informative articles about Singapore.
Subscribe to our telegram channel and tell your business friends about it.
The traditions of holding and organizing various holidays, festivals and celebrations can tell a lot, if not all, about the national characteristics of a particular country. And for a country that largely lives off tourism, the ability to organize a festive event well and on a grand scale becomes a kind of professional skill. Singaporeans deserve the highest marks in this regard - the residents of this country know how to have fun and are ready to happily share their joy with all visiting guests.
This is probably why many tourists love to visit Singapore during national holidays and various festivals. But the most interesting thing is that whenever you find yourself on this island, rest assured that somewhere there is always a vibrant party going on - the program of Singaporean holidays continues all year round. And if you are aware of the schedule and location of all these events, then your vacation will be filled with endless noisy fun.
Official public holidays and weekends
Singapore's official public holidays reflect the country's cultural and religious diversity, with eleven official holidays including Buddhist, Chinese, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and secular holidays:
January 1 - New Year.
February-March - first and second day Chinese New Year(exact date varies).
March-April - Good Friday(exact date varies).
May 1 - Labor Day.
May-June - Vesak(exact date varies).
June-July- Hari raya puasa or Eid al-Adha (exact date varies).
August 9 - independence Day.
September - Hari Raya Haji or Eid al-Adha (exact date varies).
October-November - Deepavali(exact date varies).
December 25 - Christmas.
If an official holiday coincides with a Sunday, the next day is declared a day off. If two holidays fall on the same date, which is possible due to differences in the Hindu, Chinese, Muslim and European calendars, then an additional holiday rest day may be declared. Election day (in a general or presidential election) is also an official public holiday.
Schedule of Singapore festivals and entertainment events
It is most convenient to present the schedule of holidays and festivals in the form of a table broken down by month.
| Date | Description of the event |
|---|---|
| January - March | |
| January | is a traditional Indian harvest festival. |
| End of January | – art and fine arts fair. |
| January-February | - a colorful Hindu festival. |
| February | - ceremony as part of the Chinese New Year. |
| February-March | is the main Chinese cultural festival of the year. |
| End of February | – a multicultural street procession as part of the Chinese New Year. | April - June |
| April | – the best way to try all kinds of street food. |
| April | – a gastronomic parade of gourmet cuisine. |
| April-May | – fashion show on the main shopping street. |
| May | – a holiday of taste for all gourmets. |
| May | – the main Asian Fashion Week. |
| May-June | - the main Buddhist holiday: the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. |
| May-July | – a time of incredible discounts in all stores across the country. |
| June-July | – racing on old rowing boats. |
| June-July | - Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, the end of the month of Ramadan. |
| June-September | – theater and cinema in all forms. |
| July - September | |
| July | – the main annual feast for gourmets. |
| July-August | – Zhong Yuan Jie, the Chinese equivalent of Halloween. |
| August | – street performances under the cover of darkness. |
| August 9 | - a colorful holiday in honor of the formation of the state. |
| September | - Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, the end of the Hajj. |
| September | – stage of the World Auto Racing Championship in the Formula 1 class. |
| September | |
And), and the legislation enshrines holidays that emphasize Singapore’s status as the “gateway of Asia”, as the border between West and East: this is the traditional Western New Year, and New Year according to the Chinese calendar, and Christmas, celebrated on the day when it is celebrated by Catholics and Protestants all over the world, Hindu and Muslim holidays, Good Friday and Labor Day, which has nothing to do with any religion and is celebrated at the same time that we celebrate it - May 1st.
There are a total of 11 main holidays in the Singapore calendar, they are fixed. Other holidays also take place - but they are celebrated by national communities, while these 11 are national. If such a holiday falls on a Sunday, then Monday is declared a day off. Due to the fact that Hindu, Muslim and Chinese holidays are calculated based on their respective calendars, it sometimes happens that two holidays fall on the same day - in this case, the President of Singapore has the right to declare any of the days a holiday - either instead public holiday, or in addition to it.
New Year
On this day, probably everything possible in the city is decorated with illumination. The ancient monastery located in the ginger grove of the Raffles Hotel is especially surprising with its unusual lighting in the form of running lights. New Year's holidays attract a large number of tourists to Singapore (by the way, if you are planning to visit the “city of lions” in the near future, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with several ways that will help), who meet him either on the Marina Bay embankment, or on the islands, from where you can clearly see fireworks lighting up the sky. The most “extreme” tourists prefer to celebrate the New Year on a Ferris wheel, whose height is 165 meters, or in an outdoor pool located at a height of 250 meters. Yacht rentals are also popular on this night.
Chinese New Year
This holiday is always awaited with great impatience, and it is celebrated on a very large scale. Of course, the main events take place in Chinatown, but other areas of the city, such as Little India and the Arab Quarter, are decorated festively, and without exaggeration - grandly. The entire city dresses in gold and bright red tones. The shopping mall and Marina Bay look especially elegant, where the River Hongbao performance takes place, accompanied by incredibly beautiful fireworks. During the Chinese New Year, Singapore also hosts a carnival - a procession of dancers, magicians and other performers takes place on the central streets. One of the main events of the Chinese New Year is the Chingay Parade, which has been taking place since 1973 - it replaced the New Year's fireworks banned in 1972 after massive fires.
The celebration lasts for 15 days (starts on one of the days between January 21 and February 21), and during this time in Singapore stores you can not only purchase goods at a significant discount, but also receive gifts.
Good Friday, or Good Friday, is the day before Easter, celebrated by Christians all over the world. It was on this day that Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. Despite the fact that there are only 14% Christians in Singapore, this is a public holiday and a day off.
Labor Day
Yes, May Day is a holiday not only in the post-Soviet space: it is also celebrated in Singapore. This is a day off for most Singaporeans, but not for store employees: they are all open and there is usually more traffic on this day than on any other day. The holiday has been celebrated as a national holiday since 1960. On this day, trade union rallies and sometimes protests are traditionally held.
Vesak
Vesak is Buddha's birthday. It is celebrated on the full moon of the second month of the ancient Indian calendar. On this day, large prayers are held in Buddhist temples (, ) - monks offer prayers for the well-being of all living beings, and various processions and fairs are held on the streets of the city.
Hari raya puasa
This is one of the most significant holidays in Singapore, the end of the month of Ramadan and Lent. During fasting, one cannot not only eat food during daylight hours, but also have fun, so Hari Raya, as it were, rewards a month of voluntary renunciation of all worldly joys and is celebrated on a grand scale. The main festive events take place in the Kampong Glam quarter.
Independence Day or Republic Day
This day, August 9, marks the republic's independence (its separation from Malaysia). This is the main national holiday of the country, and preparations for it begin in advance - a month in advance. On weekends there are holiday concerts and festivals. On Independence Day itself there is always a military parade (and not a simple one, but a thematic one, a new theme is chosen every year), an air show, and the evening ends with festive fireworks.
Deepavali
Deepavali (another name is Diwali) is an Indian holiday of light, the victory of good over evil, the festival of lights. One of the main holidays in Hinduism. Usually takes place in late October - early November. The festival takes place mainly in the Little India quarter, which looks especially elegant these days thanks to countless candles, colorful bright lanterns, fireworks, and flowers. Special oil lamps are lit in homes to symbolize happiness. The celebration includes the traditional Silver Chariot procession and fire shows, and, of course, the traditional sharing of sweets.
Hari Raya Haji
This is a holiday dedicated to the pilgrimage to Mecca; on this day, Muslims make sacrifices in mosques - mainly sheep; a third of the sacrificial meat is left to treat one’s own family, a third goes to treat poor neighbors, and another third goes to alms. We can say that this is a holiday of good deeds. We are more familiar with this holiday under the name “Kurban Bayram”, celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Celebrations take place in mosques, as well as in the Muslim quarters of Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai; On this day, various performances take place, and, the most popular of which is, turn into real feasts.
Christmas
Christmas, as mentioned above, is celebrated in Singapore on December 25, since the majority of Christians here are Catholics or belong to various Protestant denominations. The holiday lasts a whole week, on the streets, in shops and cafes there are all the traditional European attributes of Christmas - decorations, sentimental music, bright lights and, of course, souvenirs.
Other holidays
