Ethnic holidays (2006) ‘source Global sources’
• 1st January New Years Day
• 10th January Hari Raya Haji
This is the Singaporean name for the Muslim festival Eid ul-Adha and this is annually performed on 10th Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. It is celebrated internationally by Muslims to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah (God) when he was asked to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. It also marks the end of the pilgrimage or Hajj to Mecca.
• 29th January Chinese New Year (lasts for 2 days)
The Chinese New Year falls on different Gregorian calendar dates each year and the Chinese people also see each year as a representation of a different animal. The year that you are born in is therefore represented by a particular animal that has particular attributes that you will inherit. The celebrations for this date are impressive, the Chinese government will put on a firework display on the second day of the New Year and people where red throughout this period to warn away any bad fortune or evil spirits.
• 14th April Good Friday
• 1st May Labour Day
• 12th May Vesak Day
Vesak Day is recognised by Buddhists globally and celebrates the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of Gautama Buddha, the spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism.
• 9th August National Day
• 21st October Diwali
• 24th October Hari Raya Puasa
Hari Raya Puasa is the Singaporean name for Eid ul-Fitr and is performed on the 1st of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar, and marks the end of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
• 25th December Christmas Day
• 31st December Hari Raya Haji
This festival is initially celebrated on the 10th Dhu al-Hijjah, which in 2006 is the 10th January on the Gregorian calendar, but can be celebrated and recognised as a public holiday on this date also.
Religions in the country and subsequent holidays/festivals
- Buddhism
- Islam
- Taoism
- Hinduism
- Christianity
