Singapore's multi-ethnic society gives rise to an interesting mixture of celebrations and festivals as well as a number of public holidays, the most important are briefly described below.

The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-year cycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year. Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later.

Hari Raya Haji (Muslim / Malay)

Literally translated into English, Hari Raya Haji simply means the 'festival of pilgrimage'. The 5th tenet of Islam requires all Muslims to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime, if they can afford it. This pilgrimage, commonly known as the Haj, is probably the most important journey in the life of a devout Muslim. The festival of Hari Raya Haji is celebrated on the tenth day of the Zulhijjah month to commemorate this religious occasion, and to honour pilgrims who’ve completed their Haj to Mecca.

Good Friday (Christian)

Good Friday, the Friday of Holy Week in the calendar of the Christian churches, is set apart to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. The name “Good Friday” is a peculiarly English expression. It reflects the joy of completed redemption and protests against superstitious notions that all Fridays are “unlucky” and that this particular Friday must be shrouded in funeral gloom. Though, it is more probably derived from a corruption of “God’s Friday.”

Vesak Day (Buddhist / Indian)

A holiday to celebrate Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Passing Away on the one day, the first full moon day in May, except in a leap year when the festival is held in June. This celebration is called Vesak being the name of the month in the Indian calendar.

National Day (Singaporean)

Celebration of the founding of the Republic of Singapore, see Brief History.

Deepavali (Hindu / Indian)

Deepavali means a "row of lights, this festival marks the victory of good over evil. The festival is celebrated to ward off the darkness and welcome light into life as light is always associated with hope for the future

Hari Raya Puasa (Muslim / Malay)

Hari Raya Puasa, also Aidil Fitri, is an important religious day of the year for Muslims as it is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting and alms-giving. The celebrations begin with the birth of the new moon of Syawal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.

Christmas Day (Christian)

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of God's son, Jesus Christ and is celebrated as a ‘day of peace’.

Please note that where we say for instance ‘Muslim / Malay’ we do not mean all Malays are Muslim or all Muslims are Malay, it’s just a ‘majority picture’.