True to its reputation as the melting pot of Southeast Asia, Singapore holidays are a reflection of this diversity. Events of national significance are warmly celebrated, and the majority of Singapore holidays that are religious in nature or rooted in ancient traditions are equally festive and colorful.
Singapore’s MOM (Ministry of Manpower) has not yet released an official Singapore public holiday schedule 2014, so this list might see some changes as 2014 nears.
The Singapore public holidays are listed below:
New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 1 January 2014
Singapore joins in the worldwide celebration of the first day of the first month of the Gregorian calendar.
Chinese New Year – Friday to Saturday, 31 January to 1 February 2014
The Chinese comprise 76% of Singapore’s population, so the Chinese New Year is a major event in the country, traditionally lasting for 15 days that end in the Lantern Festival. The “Gong Xi Fa Cai” in the Lion City is marked with red lanterns hanging over the streets and the city itself is bathed in the smells of stalls that are being set-up. Chinatown glows with Street Light Up, and is invaded with lion dancers, fire eaters and other street performers.
Good Friday – Friday, 18 April 2014
With 18 percent of its population as Christians, Victoria Street in Singapore celebrates Good Friday in the same fashion as Catholics do in the Philippines but only on a much smaller scale. The image of the dead Christ is carried out in a dusk candlelit procession, while non-Catholics observe the day with services.
Labor Day – Thursday, 1 May 2014
As a highly industrialized corner of Southeast Asia, Singapore is highly dependent on its laborers and workers to keep its economy competitive around the world. This day is dedicated to them.
Vesak – Tuesday, 13 May 2014
One third of Singaporeans are Buddhists, and this day is a major celebration in the country. Vesak celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha and is marked with merit-making and “wien thien” (candlelit procession around a Buddhist shrine or temple).
Hari Raya Puasa – Tuesday, 29 July 2014
Muslims in Singapore are a minority, but Islamic festivals are observed in the country. On this day, the month of fasting or Ramadan ends, and pockets of Muslim community are busy preparing feasts for the families to share together.
National Day – Saturday, 9 August 2014
August is sweltering hot in Singapore, and so is patriotic fervor. On this day in 1965, Singapore gained independence from Malaysia. The streets of the Lion City are awash with blazing red and white (colors of Singapore flag) as flag-waving citizens join in the celebrations. The National Day Parade is the main event, retelling Singapore’s achievements since its independence through stunts, cinematic storytelling and cultural performances. The fireworks are breathtaking, but nothing is as adrenaline pumping as joining the “Kallang Roar”, a wave-like movement that drew inspiration from the 1970s 55,000-strong soccer fans who thronged the stadium during the era of Malaysia Cup.
Hari Raya Haji – Tuesday, 5 October 2014
The Feast of Sacrifice is another major Islamic festival commemorating the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ismael. To celebrate this day, Muslims slaughter livestock and share the meat to the poor.
Hari Raya Haji Replacement – 6 October 2014
Compensatory holiday for Hari Raya Haji.
Deepavali – Thursday, 23 October 2014
The Festival of Lights is a Hindu holiday celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, based on the story of how Lord Krishna defeated the tyrannical King Narakasura. In Singapore, the epicenter of celebrations is in Serangoon Road and Little India where ethnic communities light up the thoroughfare with lights, garlands and multi-colored arches. Instead of firecrackers, children go outside to play with sparklers while adults get henna tattoos on their hands.
Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December 2014
Christians celebrate this day as the birth of their savior in the same fashion as the Christians do in the west.
Explore the rest of the world
A couples-only, romantic beach getaway
Travel to make friends and live a full life
Snap photos of awesome architecture
Thailand: Your dream beach destination capital
Escape to a relaxing holiday in Bali, Indonesia
Article by Chris
Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
- Google+ |
- More Posts (327)
Help others get the information they need by liking or sharing our page!
Follow @followloveblab
