Holidays in Singapore

The holidays in Singapore reflect the rich and diverse culture of the country: the national composition of the state is very diverse, as is the religious one (the ethnic districts of Chinatown , Little India and the Arab Quarter confirm this), and the legislation fixes the holidays that underline the status of Singapore as the "gateway of Asia" as the border between the West and the East: this is the traditional Western New Year, and the New Year according to the Chinese calendar, and Christmas, celebrated on the day when it is celebrated by Catholics and Protestants around the world, ind Muslim and Muslim holidays, Good Friday and Labor Day, which has nothing to do with any of the religions and is celebrated at the same time, when we celebrate it, too, on May 1.

In total, there are 11 major holidays in Singapore's calendar, they are legislated . Other holidays also take place - but they are already celebrated by national communities, whereas these 11 are nationwide. If such a holiday falls on a Sunday - then Monday is declared a weekend. Due to the fact that Hindu, Muslim and Chinese holidays are calculated on the basis of the relevant calendars, it sometimes happens that on the same day there are two holidays - in this case, the President of Singapore has the right to declare any day a day off - or instead of public holiday, or in addition to it.

New Year

On this day, illumination in the city is decorated, perhaps, everything that is possible. Especially unusual illumination in the form of escaping lights is amazed by an ancient monastery located in the ginger grove of the Raffles Hotel. New Year's holidays attract a large number of tourists to Singapore (by the way, if you are planning to visit the "city of lions" in the near future, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with several ways that will help reduce the cost of the flight ), which meet him on the Marina Bay or on the beaches of Singapore and the island Sentosa, from where you can clearly see the sky-shining fireworks. The most "extreme" tourists prefer to celebrate the New Year on the Ferris wheel, whose height is 165 meters, or in an outdoor pool located at a 250-meter height. This night is also popular yacht rental.

Chinese New Year

This holiday is always expected with great impatience, and it is very large. Of course, the main events are held in the Chinatown, but other areas of the city, such as Little India and the Arab quarter, are festively decorated, and without exaggeration - grandiose. The whole city is dressed in gold and bright red tones. Particularly elegant are the shopping Orchard Road , Clarke Quay and Marina Bay, which hosts River Hongbao, accompanied by incredible beauty with fireworks. During the Chinese New Year in Singapore, there is also a carnival - in the central streets there is a procession of dancers, magicians and other artists. One of the main activities of the Chinese New Year is the parade Chingay Parade, which has been held since 1973 - they were replaced by the New Year fireworks that were banned in 1972, after mass fires.

The celebration takes 15 days (starts on one of the days between January 21 and February 21), and all this time in Singapore shops you can not only buy goods with a substantial discount, but also receive gifts.

Good Friday

Passionate, or Good Friday - the day before Easter, celebrated by Christians around the world. It was on this day that Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. Despite the fact that Christians in Singapore only 14% - this is a national holiday, a day off.

Labor Day

Yes, May Day is a holiday not only of the post-Soviet space: it is celebrated in Singapore. This is a day off for most Singaporeans, but not for store employees: they are all open and on this day the influx of buyers is usually greater than on any other day. The holiday is celebrated as state since 1960. On this day, traditionally held trade union rallies, and sometimes protests.

Vesak

Vesak is the birthday of Buddha. It is celebrated on the full moon of the second month of the ancient Indian calendar. On this day in the Buddhist temples ( Mariamman Temple , Sri Veeramakaliyamman Temple , Temple of the Tooth of the Buddha ) there are great prayers - the monks pray for the welfare of all living beings, and on the streets of the city there are various marches and fairs.

Hari Raya Puasa

This is one of the most significant Singapore holidays, the end of the month of Ramadan and Great Lent. During the fast, you can not only eat at daylight, but also have fun, so Hari Riyah, as it were, rewards for a month of voluntary renunciation of all worldly joys and is celebrated on a grand scale. The main festive events take place in the Kampong Glam quarter.

Independence Day, or Republic Day

On this day, August 9, it is noted that the republic gained independence (its detachment from Malaysia). This is the main national holiday of the country, and is getting ready for it starting in advance - for another month. On weekends there are festive concerts and festivals. Independence Day itself necessarily includes a military parade (not simple, but thematic, the theme is chosen every year), an air show, and the evening ends with a festive fireworks display.

Deepavali

Deepawali (another name is Diwali) is an Indian holiday of light, the victory of good over evil, the festival of lights. One of the main holidays in Hinduism. It usually takes place in late October or early November. The festival takes place mainly in the Little India quarter, which these days looks especially elegant due to countless candles, colorful bright flashlights, fireworks, and flowers. In the houses special oil lamps are lit, symbolizing happiness. The celebration includes the traditional procession "The Silver Chariot" and fire shows, and, of course, the traditional treat of each other with sweets.

Hari Raya Haji

This is a holiday dedicated to the pilgrimage to Mecca; On this day, Muslims in mosques bring sacrifices - mostly sheep; one-third of the sacrificial meat remains for the meal of his own family, one-third goes to treat poor neighbors and another third - to charity. We can say that this is a holiday of good deeds. We are more familiar with this holiday under the name "Kurban Bayram", it is celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Zul-hijj. Celebratory events take place in mosques, as well as in the Muslim districts of Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai; this day there are various performances, and the bazaars of Singapore , the most popular of which is the Telok Air, turn into real feasts.

Christmas

Christmas, as mentioned above, is celebrated in Singapore on December 25, as most Christians here are Catholics or belong to different Protestant denominations. The holiday lasts a whole week, on the streets, in shops and cafes there are all the traditional attributes of Christmas for Europe - decorations, sentimental music, bright lights and, of course, souvenirs.

Other Holidays

Other colorful and colorful festivals are taking place in Singapore, for example, the Festival of Art (held from May to June), the International Film Festival, the International Gourmet Summit, the Wandering Artist Festival, the Lunar Cook Festival, the National Cuisine Festival, the Navaratri - Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Kali and other wives of Hindu gods, and others.