Local cultures can be observed at their most expressive and captivating moments during festivals which are marked by the colorful street processions, elaborate worship ceremonies and sumptuous feasts. Different ethnic districts come aglow with brilliant colorful lights and crowded street markets during the festivals of Lunar New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, and Christmas.
Public Holidays
2020 Dates
31 Jul Hari Raya Haji/Eid-al-Adha 9 Aug Singapore National Day 14 Nov Deepavali (Diwali) 25 Dec Christmas 2021 Dates 1 Jan New Year 12-13 Feb Chinese New Year 2 Apr Good Friday 1 May Labor Day 13 May Hari Raya Puasa/Eid-al-Fitr 26 May Vesak Day |
Mid-Autumn Festival
This festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It commemorates the overthrow of the tyrannical Yuan Dynasty in the 14th century, which was brought about with the aid of secret messages placed in mooncakes. It is marked by celebration in Chinatown and in parks around Singapore. Children show off bright and colorful lanterns while adults enjoy pomelo and delicious mooncakes filled with lotus paste, melon seeds, red bean paste, egg yolks and flavors such as durian and green tea. The next date is on 1st October 2020.
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Deepavali/Diwali
Hindus celebrate Deepavali/Diwali, the Festival of Lights. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aipasi. (mid-Oct to mid-Nov) During the period, Hindu homes around Singapore are decked with flickering oil lamps, and Little India, in particular, is festively decorated and bustling with activity. As a form of self-cleansing, Hindus take a ritual oil bath before daybreak. Social visits and sweet treats are part of the celebration. . The next date is 14th November 2020.
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Christmas
Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. Christmas carols reverberate in malls as the season approaches. Be amazed by the beautifully decorated streets, shopping malls and hotels as they dazzle with fairy lights. Join the crowds at buoyant events across the island. In all churches, special services are held on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning to mark this special day.
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Pongal
Thai Ponggal is a Tamil harvest festival. It is a 4-day festival which is normally celebrated from Jan 14 to 17. This corresponds to the last day of the Tamil month Maargazhi to the third day of the Tamil month Thai. Thai Pongal corresponds to Makara Sankranthi, the winter harvest festival celebrated throughout India. It is celebrated to convey appreciation to the Sun God for providing the energy for agriculture. Part of the celebration is the boiling of the first rice of the season. The next date is 14th Jan 2021
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Chinese New Year
The most important event in the Chinese Lunar calendar, it is a time for much rejoicing. On New Year's Eve, Chinese families gather around the dining table to enjoy a sumptuous dinner known as the Reunion Dinner. The next 15 days are spent visiting friends, relatives and feasting. Parents and other married relatives will give "hong baos" (gifts of money in red packets) to the unmarried children in the family. It is a gesture of good fortune. Entertaining cultural shows are put up by performers at Marina Bay, and you can also shop for more goodies at the Singapore River Hong Bao extravaganza. The Chingay Parade of Dreams is a colorful finale to the Lunar New Year celebrations. With eye-catching floats and costumed performers, it is one of Southeast Asia's grandest street parade. The next dates are 12th February 2021.
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Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a passionate and dramatic festival, whereby Hindu penitents and worshippers carry kavadi (structures that hold fruits, flowers and pots of milk) in a procession that stretches from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road to the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple in Tank Road. This festival is an awesome display of mind over matter as the entranced devotees walk the 3 kilometer route with their heavy loads. Some devotees have skewers and hooks pierced through their tongues, cheeks and bodies. The next date is 28th Jan 2021.
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Hari Raya Aidilfitri
After Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa. Weeks before the event, Geylang Serai transforms into a lively bazaar with roadside stalls selling various snacks, accessories and costumes. On the day of celebration, the men rise early to attend special prayers at the mosque. Past wrongs are forgiven, and families visit the graves of those who departed as a sign of remembrance. In the homes, traditional delicacies and snacks are prepared for visiting friends and relatives. The next date is 13th May 2021.
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Hari Raya Haji
For Muslims, the 'Haj' or pilgrimage to Mecca is the most important journey of their lives. Hari Raya Haji commemorates the pilgrimage and celebrates the return of the pilgrims. Muslims spend a day in prayer; and after the morning session at the mosques, sheep and goats are ritually slaughtered as sacrifices. The meat is then distributed among the worshippers and the poor. The next date is 20th July 2021.
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