Festivals and public holidays by month

Question 1

What are the public holidays in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Singapore has 11 public holidays, from New Year's Day to Christmas Day, with two days for Chinese New Year. The others are Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji, Good Friday, Labour Day, Vesak Day, National Day and Deepavali. Only New Year's Day, Labour Day, National Day and Christmas Day keep a fixed date. The Ministry of Manpower publishes each year's dates the year before, and the closures answer says what shuts.

Question 2

What happens when a public holiday falls on a Sunday in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

The next day that is not itself a public holiday becomes a public holiday too, under the Holidays Act. That is usually the Monday, and the Ministry of Manpower's list flags it beside the holiday. A holiday on a Saturday stays on the Saturday, though employees on a five-day week are owed a day off or pay in lieu. Plan a long weekend and check opening days for the Monday.

Question 3

Which Singapore festivals fall in which month?

Accepted Answer

Chinese New Year, River Hongbao, Chingay and Thaipusam fall in January or February, and Good Friday follows in March or April. Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji follow the Islamic calendar and move about 10 days earlier each year. Vesak Day falls around May, and National Day is 9 August. Mid-Autumn comes in September or October, Deepavali in October or November, and Christmas closes the year.

Question 4

When is Chinese New Year in Singapore and what is on?

Accepted Answer

Chinese New Year falls in January or February, with two public holidays and about 15 days of celebration. Chinatown's streets light up, River Hongbao has run for about ten days at Gardens by the Bay, and the Chingay Parade is usually held on the second weekend of the new year. Each listing carries the dates once they are announced.

Question 5

How are the Hari Raya dates set in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

The Ministry of Manpower is advised by the relevant religious boards, and MUIS, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, announces when Muslims in Singapore observe Hari Raya. An Islamic month starts when the new moon is sighted on the 29th evening of the month before, or a day later if it isn't, so the exact day depends on the sighting. Hari Raya at Geylang Serai covers the lights.

Question 6

When is Deepavali in Singapore, and when does Little India light up?

Accepted Answer

Deepavali falls in October or November, and since 2016 its date has followed parameters set by the Hindu Endowments Board and Hindu Advisory Board. It is a public holiday, and Little India is usually lit up through the weeks before, with bazaars and a festival village on Campbell Lane. The light-up listing holds the dates once they are announced.

Question 7

When are Vesak Day and Good Friday in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Both are public holidays that move each year: Good Friday falls in March or April, and Vesak Day around May. MOM follows the Singapore Buddhist Federation's announcement for Vesak and has revised a date after publishing its list, so check the list near your trip. Temples hold their own events, and the Vesak circuit starts at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown.

Question 8

When is the Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

It takes place in the seventh month of the lunar calendar, usually in August or September, and it isn't a public holiday. Burnt offerings and street performances appear across the island. Out of respect, leave roadside offerings untouched and keep clear of incense paper. The Hungry Ghost Festival listing has the getai shows.

Question 9

When is the Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

It falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which can land anywhere between September and October, and it isn't a public holiday. Businesses and attractions generally run as usual. Chinatown is the heart of the festivities, with lantern displays in the weeks leading up, and the Chinatown page has the streets to walk.

Question 10

What happens at Christmas and New Year's Eve in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Christmas Day and New Year's Day are public holidays, and Orchard Road has lit up for Christmas every year since 1984, usually from November into January. On New Year's Eve the Urban Redevelopment Authority presents a Marina Bay countdown with fireworks, and has asked the public to take public transport because key areas close once full. Orchard has the lights and Marina Bay the countdown.

Question 11

When is the Singapore Night Festival?

Accepted Answer

The Night Festival usually runs for about two weeks from late August into early September, in the Bras Basah.Bugis arts district, and most programmes are free. The festival is best reached by train, from Bras Basah, Bencoolen, City Hall or Bugis MRT. HeritageSG announces the dates each year, and the Night Festival listing carries them.

Question 12

When are the Theemithi fire-walking and the Kusu pilgrimage?

Accepted Answer

Both come to a head around October and November and move with the lunar and Tamil calendars. Theemithi runs about three months from the Tamil month of Aadi, around July or August, and ends with the fire-walking at Sri Mariamman Temple in October. The Kusu pilgrimage follows the ninth lunar month, with ferries from Marina South Pier, and weekdays are quieter. The fire-walking and Kusu listings hold the dates.