Holidays in Singapore. Singapore: public holidays, bank holidays, school holidays. Chinese New Year in Singapore

Singapore is known as a melting pot of different cultures and tourists come here for thrills and new experiences. Numerous festivals and holidays in Singapore also bring brightness and variety to the lives of local residents. They reflect all the cultural diversity of this exotic state. For example, it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of when the New Year is celebrated in Singapore, because there are two of them.

Chinese New Year in Singapore is no less popular than the traditional one.

Whether you want to experience all the city's many experiences or just spend a nice weekend with a friend, there is something for everyone on this sunny island.

The following celebrations and festivals are the most widely celebrated and anticipated events of the first half of the year

New Year in Singapore is an official holiday, so the first of January is a day off. So even if you party all night long at one of the parties that take place all over the island, you don't have to worry about falling asleep at work during the day. You can go to the popular areas of Marina Bay and enjoy the spectacular countdown shows to the New Year, or take part in one of the wild foam parties on the beautiful, located on. If you are planning to have a gala dinner at the restaurant on December 31st, you will need to make reservations a few months in advance, as there will be crowds of revelers everywhere on this day wishing to take part in the countdown ceremony. Colorful fireworks can be seen from many.

Chinese New Year in Singapore

If you suddenly feel sad that the party is over, don't lose heart - another party is waiting for you very soon. The most widely celebrated holiday by the local Chinese population is the Chinese New Year. He gets on the first day lunar calendar and usually occurs at the end of January - beginning of February. Needless to say, what unbridled fun and excitement reign during this 15-day holiday. Stores are adorned with lucky symbols in red and gold. The beat of drums and cymbals heard from afar heralds the arrival of dancers performing the Lion Dance, which is meant to bring prosperity in the new year. To immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, it is worth visiting local markets and nurseries. Keep in mind that many shops and street vendors will be closed on Chinese New Year's Eve and for three days afterward as their workers go home to spend time with their families.

Chingay annual parade

Around the same time, the annual Chingai parade is held. Chingai (Zhuangyi) is a festival of costumes and masquerade; The parade is a spectacular procession with unusual wheeled platforms and performers from 150 organizations, including traditional Chinese dancers, fearless stilted performers and martial artists. In recent years, the Malay and Indian communities have also taken part in the parade, and it is worth a visit to enjoy the colorful spectacle and get to know the exciting cultural traditions of the participants.

Hindu holiday Thaipusam

On the first full moon day of the Tamil month of Tai, Hindu followers celebrate Thaipusam. This holiday, celebrated annually between mid-January and mid-February, is a time of repentance for past sins. One of the highlights of this festival is the Kavadi Attam dance, a ritual performance dedicated to Murugan, the Hindu god of war. Believing that their appeals for divine help will be heard if they carry a heavy "burden", many adherents of Hinduism subject themselves to various tests of physical endurance, and often pray and fast for 48 days before this ritual. They can choose one of the tests - carrying a heavy load, piercing the body in many places, walking on nails, or being scourged. The best places to watch these ceremonies are at Little India, Shri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road, or the famous oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.

Vesak - Buddha's birthday

In the month of Vesãkha or May, on the first day of the full moon, the followers of Buddhism gather for the main event in their religious calendar. Vesak, also known as Buddha's birthday, is held to celebrate the birth, death, and enlightenment of the Buddha. On this day, they bring to the temples incense sticks and flowers. It is also customary to dedicate this day to good deeds, since according to the doctrine of karma, it is believed that any good deed performed on this day will be repeatedly rewarded. During the celebration, believers usually distribute free vegetarian food to the poor, donate blood, and release birds from cages. Singapore's oldest Buddhist temple, Shuanglin in Wesak, also hosts the Buddha Bathing Ceremony, an annual ceremony during which those present watch the Buddha statue being doused with purified water.

Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival, held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, is a Chinese holiday commemorating Qu Yuan, the poet and minister of the Chu kingdom. He was a patriot, dearly loved by his people. Desperate to overcome the corruption existing in the imperial court, which led to the fall of his state, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the river. It is believed that it was then that these boat races began, as the fishermen hurried in their boats in order to have time to get the body of the poet. Rice balls were also thrown into the water to distract the fish from eating the dead body. To this day, rice dumplings traditionally eaten during this festival are still a popular dish in Singapore, Taiwan, China and many other Southeast Asian countries. Each such dumpling contains many ingredients such as dates, meat, chestnuts or salted eggs. The filling is placed in glutinous rice triangles wrapped in bamboo leaves. Dragon boat competitions continue to this day, and those who are interested in watching these spectacular boat races should head to the Marina Bay Hotel area, where this regatta is held annually in May.

In the second half of the year, outsiders may notice that even the most reserved Singaporeans are becoming much more cheerful. main reason This is an amazing change in temperature, which drops as much as 2-3 degrees, which encourages the indigenous people to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the cool weather. But what's even better, during this period, there are many festivals and official holidays. In the following sections, we will tell you which festivals and holidays in Singapore are held from July to December and have great importance for local residents.

Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday in Singapore

During Ramadan, members of Singapore's Muslim community fast and pray from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is the Muslim holy month of fasting, when believers must demonstrate self-discipline and refrain from sin. The end of this period is marked by the celebration of Uraza Bairam ( Hari Raya Puasa) . Just like the Chinese during the Lunar New Year celebration, Muslims take time off from work and celebrate this holiday with their families. They buy special dishes such as ketupat (rice cakes) and rendang (spiced beef), dress up in new baju kurung outfits, give children small sums of money, and visit distant relatives. Noisy bazaars are held all over Singapore, especially in the eastern regions. Visit the well-known onion-domed Sultan Hussain Mosque in Kampong Glam or the street bazaars in Geylang Serai to taste delicious sweets, shop for an elegant Malay costume or marvel at traditional Persian rugs.

national day

In the days leading up to August 9th, the entire island literally comes alive as all neighborhoods are brightly decorated in red and white to celebrate National Day. All local channels broadcast patriotic songs as local artists and songwriters together confess their love for Singapore. Singapore celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 2015. The Independence Day parade includes an aerobatics display by the Singapore Air Force, processions of various military units, spectacular shows on the water, as well as musical and dance performances. The holiday ends with grandiose fireworks. Tickets for the parade are issued to citizens and permanent residents of Singapore. If you don't fall into these categories, find yourself a friend in Singapore who will apply for a ticket for you back in May, and hope for good luck!

Hungry Ghost Festival

Hungry Ghost Festival – this is not quite the holiday that is accompanied by fun and rejoicing. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful festival held in many parts of Singapore. The seventh month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in August, is dedicated to the realm of spirits and folklore. Offerings are made to honor the dead, which can include intricately crafted papier-mâché mansions, luxury cars, and even the latest iPhones. It is believed that after these offerings are burned, they will reach their addressee in another world. Late at night, flames are visible everywhere, as numerous offerings are burned in censers all over the island. Singing is also heard, as in many areas getai concerts are organized and continue until late at night to entertain the souls of the dead, for whom the front row seats are always left empty.

Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore

If colorful mooncakes line up on bakery shelves and lanterns hang out in front of shops, then the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching. Traditional moon gingerbread Brown are as popular today as they were when they first appeared in the Song Dynasty. Today, mooncakes are filled not only with lotus paste, but other unusual ingredients are used for filling, for example, dope, raspberries, or even Earl Grey. This harvest festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the largest and brightest moon is believed to be seen. On this day, family members usually gather together, drink tea with mooncakes, while young people go for night walks holding bright lanterns of all shapes and sizes. Annual celebrations are hosted by cultural organizations such as the PRC Industrial and Commerce in Singapore. Their visitors can enjoy word games, couplet writing and stage performances.

Diwali is the main Hindu festival in Sinapur.

On the darkest night of the Hindu month of Kartik, the community celebrates Diwali, a festival of deep spiritual significance. As a rule, it falls at the end of October or the beginning of November and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair. This is the perfect time to visit beautiful Hindu temples and marvel at the extraordinarily detailed statues, or stroll through the Little India neighborhoods during this Festival of Lights, when the festively lit streets are filled with colorful lights and spicy scents. Those who don't want to push their way through the crowds can try their hand at the art of rangoli, which involves laying out intricate patterns in colorful dyed rice or sand at their doorstep.

Christmas in Singapore

Christmas - this is a time of great joy and opportunity to engage in good deeds. The streets are decorated in gold or silver colors, and are decorated with all sorts of Christmas symbols, ranging from gingerbread houses and to snowmen and Santa Clauses. Celebrations in honor of the birth of the baby Jesus are held in Christian churches throughout the island. Worshipers gather at St. Andrew's Cathedral, Singapore's largest and most beautiful cathedral, to take part in the festivities. The most spectacular light installations can be found along Orchard Road, at the Takashimaya Mall and at Raffles City.

The smallest Asian state, Singapore is also the most multi-confessional, and therefore the list of its state, secular and religious holidays includes Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu. By law, Singapore holidays that fall on a Sunday continue as a public holiday on the following Monday.

Let's look at the calendar

On January 1, Singaporeans, together with all progressive humanity, celebrate the new year, but after it, their calendar has its own unique festive features:

• At the beginning of February comes the chief winter holiday Singapore - Chinese New Year. According to statistics, it is the Chinese who 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 houses of Singaporeans - the birthday, enlightenment and departure of Gautama Buddha. Almost half of the country's population professes Buddhism, and therefore this holiday in Singapore is one of the most beloved.
• 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, festivities and evening fireworks as an apotheosis.
• Hari Raya Pusa marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, while Hindus celebrate Deepavali in early November.
• In December, the people of Singapore decorate Christmas trees and celebrate their favorite winter holiday together with all Christians on the planet.

oil lamp day

Main Hindu holiday In Singapore, it 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 floating and largely coincides with the end of the harvest. Hindus revere this day as the onset of a new period in life, and therefore give gifts to each other.
The main spectacular component of Deepavali comes at sunset, when, in addition to the traditional illumination, the sky is painted with flashes of salutes and fireworks. Events take place throughout the country and last for several days.

In honor of the 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 the temples.
During Vesak, numerous Buddhist rites are performed, and residents bring refreshments to the temples and walk around them three times in honor of the Buddha.

Drive away evil spirits

The beginning of the Chinese New Year usually falls in February. This great Singapore celebration lasts for several days, and its program includes fireworks and festivities, parades and gala dinners, presenting gifts to relatives and friends, and nights full of explosions of firecrackers and crackers. Red envelopes are used as congratulatory messages.

Singapore is a "burning cauldron" in which diverse and vibrant cultures are "boiled": Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnic groups. The influx of foreigners over the past few years has given the country a cosmopolitan image and multi-cultural life in Singapore. Each of the ethnic communities maintains its own unique way of life, while harmonizing life with representatives of other cultures. Given the 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 on all islands by all residents. These significant religious holidays and important dates are announced as public holidays in Singapore. There are ten annual holidays in Singapore: New Year (New Years Day); Chinese New Year (Chinese New Year); Good Friday (Good Friday); Labor Day; Vesak day; National Day of Singapore (National Day); Hari Raya Puasa; Deepavali Festival of Lights; Hari Raya Haji (Hari Raya Haji); Christmas (Christmas Day).

New Year in Singapore

Calendar New Year - Monday, January 1, 2018, begins with celebrations, and each new year turns into a real holiday in Singapore. There are several places where New Year greetings and folk festivals take place. The most popular parties are at The Marina Bay Singapore Countdown and Siloso Beach Party in Sentosa. Most Singaporeans frequent these places, they come here to witness public performances and impressive fireworks. Other popular activities can be seen along Orchard Road, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay.

Chinese New Year in Singapore

Chinese New Year - Friday, February 16, 2018 is one of the most anticipated holidays in Singapore. The festival begins on the first day of the first lunar month in Chinese calendar which is usually carried out between last week January and early 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 this holiday by participating in the reunification festival, accompanying the celebrations with New Year's visits from relatives and friends, the exchange of hongbao (red envelopes with cash gifts), giving small tangerine trees symbolizing prosperity and visiting temples. The hub of all activity is the brightly lit Chinatown, which is adorned with impressive decorations and Chinese lanterns that line the streets.

Most Chinese families gather in this ethnic quarter to enjoy its many sights and sounds of enchanting melodies, as well as taste traditional Chinese delicacies. Most malls are decorated with traditional ornaments 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. The Chinese New Year celebrations end on the 15th day of the new year, just like Spring Festival lanterns (Spring Lantern Festival). Ten days after the Lantern Festival, it's time for a big parade in Singapore known as the Chingay Parade, a street and sea parade with performances ranging from acrobatics to traditional dances.

Running Festival Green Corridor

Following the success of previous years, the Green Corridor Run was held on March 6th, 2016 along with a celebration world day Water. It was the biggest marathon ever held in Singapore and was the most exciting race ever! You can register and take part in future marathons! Conducted 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 - Sunday, April 8, 2018, is one of the most significant festive events among Christians around the world. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as written in the Christian bible.

Restaurant Week

The Singapore Restaurant Week, an annual exhibition of restaurants in Singapore, is being held from March 19 to 26, 2017 for the 13th time. For this festival, you can always book seats in the best restaurants in Singapore and taste almost all the most famous delicacies of Southeast Asia.

Singapore Fashion Festival

Singapore Fashion Festival, an annual two-week festival that aims to make Singapore the fashion capital of the Southeast Asian region. The festival hosts collection shows by international and local designers, fashion shows, exhibitions and events related to fashion.

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 working 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 a luxurious lifestyle, bringing together world-class yachts finished with the finest materials and equipment. The exhibition provides a first-class opportunity for regional visitors to meet professional instructors, boat owners and a select group of invited participants.

Singapore Heritage Festival

Singapore Heritage Fest was initiated to spread the word about the different cultures of Singapore 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

The 2017 Singapore World Rugby Sevens Series will be held at the Singapore National Stadium on 15 and 16 April 2017. The tournament has been held since 1999 and attracts fans from many countries of the world as one of the fastest growing sports events - an exciting attraction of non-stop action, sports feats and athleticism. Singapore's national rugby team, making its debut 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, 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 social gatherings combined with a celebration of maritime traditions. The maritime association, industry companies and research institutes and educational institutions, as well as participants with a cosmopolitan profile as participants in the festival, make Singapore the largest international maritime center.

Vesak Day in Singapore

Vesak Day - Tuesday, May 29, 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 phase of Nirvana of the Buddha.
Buddhist temples are colorfully decorated with Buddhist flags and lights, temples are decorated with flowers, fruits and other offerings. The Vesak Day celebration is an event in the Closed Hall, open to the public for the duration of the holiday. Some of the most interesting events include a vegetarian food fair, public gatherings, anthem singing. Acts of generosity known as dana are performed by Buddhist organizations and temples. Vesak Day entails less lavish celebrations than most other festivals in Singapore, but deserves special attention in terms of developing an internal culture.

Seasonal sales in Singapore

The Great Singapore Sale is one of the most popular and highly anticipated annual events held in Singapore in June and July. Singapore is transforming into a sales hub and into a shopping spree with retailers giving discounts on goods up to 70% off the regular price.

Dragon Festival

Dragon Boat Festival, June 18, 2018, the highlight of which is the dragon boat races, which compete to showcase 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 dish of the festival, which is also known as The Dumpling Festival.

Ballet under the stars

The annual Ballet under the Stars dance festival takes place in Singapore from March 16 to 19, 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 dance art. During each year, the theater organizes six performances, including performances by the entire ballet team on the stage of the Esplanade Theatre. Ballet Under the Stars at Fort Canning Park is a classic masterpiece in dance movement, presented by the best dancers on the best dance floor.

Hari Raya Puas in Singapore

Hari Raya Puasa - June 24-25, 2017, commonly known as Eid Ul Fitr in Singapore, is the celebration of Hari Raya Puasa, which is a major festival for the Malay communities in Singapore and usually falls on the calendar in September or October. Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The ancient street of Geylang Serai in the cultural center of the Malay Muslim community is well lit and decorated, dominated by festive mood. Also during this holiday, you can visit the colorful festive markets and visit the numerous food stalls 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

The Singapore Food Festival takes place annually in July. This Singapore Food Festival is a festive showcase of local food. As part of the festival, carnivals, seminars, as well as joint actions focused on the preparation and sale of delicious food are held.

Game Industry Exhibition

Exhibition of the gaming industry "C3 Chara Expo" takes place in Singapore in summer period of the year and is dedicated to the latest products of the gaming market and their developers. Also, Special attention the exhibition focuses on Japanese manga, anime, games and cosplay fans. In addition to the weekend show, 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 gaming 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, popular National holiday arts. The festival offers high quality free performances theatrical art, dance, music and visual arts, as well as open performances. In addition to local exhibitors, approximately 70% of the work is 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 - National Day Parade, which is held to celebrate the independence of Singapore. It is one of the most anticipated annual events for Singaporeans, with National Day attracting around 25,000 spectators each year. Celebrations take place at Marina Bay and include pre-parade celebration preparations followed by actual parades and ceremonies, including the popular presidential address, which ends with a celebratory show followed by spectacular fireworks displays. 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, which is displayed on the facades of most residential buildings throughout the island. It's really beautiful.

singapore night festival

Singapore Night Festival - a festival of illuminations, dance and music will be held in August 2016. It is an annual cultural event in Singapore, held over two nights in August on the expanse of Bras Basah Road and Bugis Street, when the entire city turns into a massive 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 for the entire duration of the festival, through Bras Basa Road, including the complexes and buildings of Raffles City, CHIJMES and Plaza Singapura, and up to Bugis Street. The festival amazes viewers with laser projections on the buildings of the National Museum and the Museum of Art, as well as flying ships and pianos against the backdrop of the Singapore night sky. These interactive light installations have become an annual tradition that attracts a large number of spectators.

Many cultural institutions and museums in Singapore do not close on these nights, but are preparing special events and a cultural program. At this time, the streets are filled with informal participants of the festival: street performers, musicians, artists who demonstrate their art, live playing 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 delicacies of the local cuisine.
The Singapore Night Festival is a great chance to see traditions, culture and art in a completely different light.

Hari Raya Haji in Singapore

Hari Raya Haji - Friday, September 17, 2017, also known as 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, according to the calendar, usually falls in autumn or winter, and the celebrations are similar to the festival of Hari Raya Puas.

Grand Prix of the Formula 1 series in Singapore

"Singapore Grand Prix 2016" takes place in Singapore for the eleventh time from 15 to 17 September 2017 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The lucky ones who happen to get on it are in for a fantastic spectacle! 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 a 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 through the streets of the city, is the fastest of the city's circuits - on a circle, cars accelerate to a speed of about 290 km / h three times, while it ranks second after Monaco in the lowest average speed per circle.

The Singapore highway twists counterclockwise, just like in Turkey and Brazil. It should be noted that a unique temporary fence is installed just before the races so as not to disturb the city residents and numerous tourists. The main difference of 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, special entertainment makes 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 the good life" 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. The Deepavali celebration usually falls in October or November on the calendar, with festivities kicking off in the coming weeks in the Indian ethnic quarter called Little India. Commemorating the triumph of good over evil or light over darkness, the streets of Little India are adorned with colored lights and traditional decorations.

Roadside shops sell terracotta lamps, flowers and other traditional decorative items. Shops offer a wide range of sweets for all tastes, from Indian sweets to souvenirs. People celebrate the Reunification Festival by visiting the homes 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 there is a ban on explosive fireworks in Singapore, most families get together to light sparklers at the end of the evening.

Christmas in Singapore

Christmas - Monday, December 25, 2017 is considered the most charming time of the year, and the holiday spirit in Singapore is already felt in the week before Christmas. The seventh week of the extravaganza is called "Christmas in the Tropics" (Christmas in the Tropics). At this time, the spirit of Christmas is celebrated, it happens every year from the end of November and continues until the New Year. Singapore's famous streets of Orchard Road and Marina Bay are transformed during this period, with festive lighting, holiday arches, and themed decoration sets.

During the holiday, you can get a variety of experiences: Christmas performances by a choir group, which are offered by professional musicians, watch the performances of local dancers; watch the Parade of Floats; the popular outdoor dance festival ZoukOut, which takes place on Sentosa Island (organized by one of the popular nightclubs in Singapore); and many others. Adding to the whole holiday aura, shopping malls feature specially designed storefronts 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, Singapore's largest film industry event and one of Asia's premier film festivals. SIFF takes place annually in April. Over 200 international films of all genres are screened at festival screenings, with a special focus on 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 theatre, arts, film, dance, visual arts and music festival created and organized in Singapore for international artists. It is usually held annually at the end of January. The festival is the center of attraction the best works contemporary artists, an exhibition of cutting-edge art and other works, provided for Singapore's social audience.

Public holidays in Singapore

Due to the amazing ethnic diversity in Singapore, locals celebrate 11 holidays every year, which satisfy the canons of the four main religious groups (Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians). There are also holidays that are common to all and not related to religion.

Some festivals last much longer than one day. Therefore, businesses run by certain ethnic groups may not operate during this period. Keep this in mind so as not to spoil your trip. Dates of public holidays in Singapore are set annually by the Ministry of Labour.

Many festivals and holidays depend on the lunar calendar, so the dates change from year to year.

List of regular public holidays in Singapore:

New Year: always celebrated on January 1;
. Chinese New Year (two days): dates may vary - read about Chinese New Year;
. Good Friday: dates may vary;
. Labor Day: always celebrated on May 1;
. Vesak Day: dates vary, but the holiday is always celebrated in May;
. Hari Raya Puasa: Dates are selected depending on Ramadan - read about traveling during Ramadan;
. Independence Day: always celebrated on August 9;
. Hari Raya Haji: dates may vary;
. Deepavali (Diwali/Deepavali): dates can vary - read about how dates are chosen for Deepavali;
. Christmas: Always celebrated on December 25th.

Big festivals in Singapore

Most worst case scenario for a visit to Singapore is to leave a day or two before the celebration. You will have to endure crowds of people on the street and put up with skyrocketing prices, but you will not be able to enjoy the festival.

The major festivals that affect travel and accommodation in Singapore are: Christmas, Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Independence Day. There are also smaller festivities, parades and processions in which you can also participate.

There is always something exciting going on in Singapore. Most holidays lead to pandemonium on the streets of an already bustling city. Uncontrolled tourist flows, especially during major holidays, affect accommodation prices.

Other festivals in Singapore

Singapore Sun Festival: 10-day festival dedicated to art, music, drinking wine, watching movies and reading literature;
. Singapore Food Festival: food festival lasts a month;
. Singapore Grand Prix: Formula 1 racing in Singapore;
. Chingay Parade: mass street parade and procession;
. Singapore Arts Festival: a month-long festival dedicated to art, dance, music and performance;
. ZoukOut Dance Festival: One of the largest music and dance festivals in Asia.