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 2017, so this list might see some changes as 2017 nears.
The Singapore public holidays are listed below:
New Year’s Day – Sunday, 1 January 2017
Singapore joins in the worldwide celebration of the first day of the first month of the Gregorian calendar.
New Year’s Day – (Observed) – Monday, 02 January 2017
Compensatory holiday for New Year’s Day.
Chinese New Year – Saturday to Monday, 28 January to 30 January 2017
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, 14 April 2017
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 – Monday, 1 May 2017
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 – Wednesday, 10 May 2017
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 – Monday, 26 June 2017
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 – Wednesday, 9 August 2017
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 – Saturday, 2 September 2017
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.
Deepavali – Thursday, 19 October 2017
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 – Monday, 25 December 2017
Christians celebrate this day as the birth of their savior in the same fashion as the Christians do in the west.
