National Day (Singapore)

Public holiday in Singapore

National Day

From top, left to right: Various commemorations of National Day over the decades

Official name| National Day of Singapore
Also called| Singapore Independence Day
Observed by| Singaporeans
Type| National
Significance| Commemoration of Singapore's independence as a sovereign state
Celebrations| National Day Parade, National Day Message by the Prime Minister of Singapore, and fireworks celebrations
Date| 3 June (1960–1964)
9 August (1965–present)
Frequency| Annually

National Day,[a] sometimes known internationally as Singapore Independence Day,[b] is a major public holiday in Singapore which commemorates an independent and sovereign Republic of Singapore. Held on 9 August since 1965, this holiday features the National Day Parade (NDP), a National Day Message by the Prime Minister of Singapore and fireworks celebrations, among other festivities.[1]

## History

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### Date of National Day

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#### 1960–1964

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10 cent stamps to commemorate National Day in 1962, which was held on 3 June

Singapore initially had a different date for National Day prior to 9 August, when it commemorated 3 June after achieving full internal self-governance from the United Kingdom in 1959. Between 1960 and 1964, Singapore celebrated National Day on 3 June to mark this occasion and the end of colonial rule.[2][3]

## Festivities

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### National Day Parade

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Main article: Singapore National Day Parade

The Singapore National Day Parade is a national ceremony that is usually held at The Float @ Marina Bay, the National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub, or the Padang. In 2007, the Parade was held at The Float @ Marina Bay for the first time, and in 2016, it was held at the Singapore Sports Hub. The parade includes performances that depict the yearly theme.

### National Day Message

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The National Day Message is an annual tradition on 8 August since 1966. In each year's recorded message, the Prime Minister of Singapore "examine[s] domestic and global developments, review[s] economic performance and outlook, and outline[s] national priorities and government plans as [he inspires] Singaporeans to move forward with a unified sense of purpose".[4]

### National Day Rally

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Main article: Singapore National Day rally

On the first or second Sunday following National Day, the prime minister gives an address to the nation at a National Day Rally, which usually features discussions of the country's status and accomplishments, and announcements of future plans and policy changes.[5]

### Firework celebrations

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Main article: Singapore Fireworks Celebrations

National Day celebrations also include fireworks celebrations. They feature several local and foreign teams which launch fireworks displays on different nights. First held in 2004 at Marina Bay, the event was initially known as the Singapore Fireworks Festival and organised by Unusual Productions. The amount of fireworks used has grown in magnitude over the past three years, from 4,000 rounds used in 2004 to over 9,000 in 2006. In 2012, a Mentos commercial encouraged procreation during the same time as the fireworks celebration.[6]

## See also

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* List of Singaporean patriotic songs

## Notes

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1. ^ Malay: Hari Kebangsaan Singapura; Chinese: 新加坡国庆日; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூரின் தேசிய நாள்
2. ^ Malay: Hari Kemerdekaan Singapura; Chinese: 新加坡独立日; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர் சுதந்திர தினம்

## References

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1. ^ Mahtani, Shibani (10 August 2012). "Thursday's the Day to Go All the Way for Civic Duty in Singapore". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
2. ^ "Singapore's first National Day celebrations".
3. ^ "60 years ago, Singapore celebrated National Day on June 3. Here's why". TODAY. 3 June 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
4. ^ "National Day Messages". Archives Online. 7 August 2018.
5. ^ Chew, Hui Min (20 August 2016). "From babies to casinos: 11 memorable National Day Rally speeches". The Straits Times.
6. ^ Mahtani, Shibani (10 August 2012). "THE A-HED August 10, 2012, 8:08 a.m. ET Thursday's the Day to Go All the Way for Civic Duty in Singapore". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 10 August 2013.

Portals:

* Holidays
* Singapore

Public holidays in Singapore

National holidays (fixed)|

* New Year's Day (1 January)
* Labour Day (1 May)
* National Day (9 August)
* Christmas Day (25 December)

National holidays (moveable)|

* Chinese New Year (2 days)
* Good Friday
* Vesak Day
* Hari Raya Puasa
* Hari Raya Haji
* Deepavali

Removed holidays|

* Thaipusam
* Easter Monday
* Holy Saturday
* Boxing Day
* Birthday of Prophet Mohamed
* Second day of Hari Raya Puasa