What to do on Singapore public holidays

Singapore has a number of public holidays throughout the year, which reflects the cultural and religious diversity of the country. The holidays are chosen each year by the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore after close consultation and agreement with the community and religious leaders. To learn more about the major public holidays in Singapore, read the guide below.

Major holidays in Singapore

Religious diversity
The public holidays celebrated within Singapore reflect the numerous religions living together within its communities. Buddhist holidays, Muslim and Hindu celebrations are observed as well as Christian holidays and also those covered by the Chinese calendar year. Multi-named holidays The majority of the Singapore holiday occasions are given a name in English, Chinese, Malay and in the Tamil language. Despite the origins of the occasions, many are observed by all the religions or at least celebrated through it means an extra day off work.

Days observed

Traditional Christian holidays
New Years Day or Tahun Baru as it is known in the Malay language is celebrated with fireworks just like it is across most of the world. Good Friday is another day of religious festivities which fall within the Christian calendar for the people of the small country at the tip of the Malay peninsula. Christmas Day is known locally as Hari Krismas or Hari Natal. Chinese holidays
The most important day in the Chinese year is the New Year celebrations with its date being related to the second full moon of the lunar year which usually falls in February. This occasion is marked by dragon dances, lots of fireworks, food and the giving of gifts in red envelopes (usually money) to children. Vesak Day which occurs on the 15th day of the 4th month according to the Chinese calendar, celebrates the birth and death of Gautama Buddha who was the creator of Buddhism. Islam Hari Raya Puasa is the day marking the end of fasting during the month of Ramadan. The date is determined by the Islamic calendar and occurs twice in a calendar year every 32 or 33 years. Hari Raya Haji commemorates the day Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son to show his obedience to Allah. Hindu Deepavali celebrates the day on which Lord Rama returned after defeating the demon king Ravana and was vanquished by Lord Krishna. This date is determined by the Hindu calendar. Non-religious days
Labour Day on the 1st of May is a celebration of the economic and social achievements of the country’s workers. National Day is celebrated on the
9th of August and is a reminder of Singapore gaining its independence.