Explore Singapore's 2015 Public Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists and Expats
Discover the 2015 public holidays in Singapore and plan your vacations accordingly. Explore the cultural festivities and enjoy a well-deserved break!
Are you already planning your next annual leave? Well, Singapore has quite a few long weekends for you to look forward to in 2015. With eleven public holidays, Singapore’s calendar is quite generous compared to other countries in the region.
The first day of the year will start with a bang as New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, leaving us with a nice four-day weekend. The same can be said for the Chinese New Year, which falls on Thursday, February 19th and Friday, February 20th and can easily be stretched into a four-day weekend.
That’s just the beginning; Hari Raya Puasa, celebrated by our Muslim friends, is set to fall on Friday, July 17th, followed closely by National Day on August 9th, which will fall on a Sunday and make Monday, August 10th an official holiday.
If that’s not enough, the most highly anticipated holiday of the year is definitely Christmas Day, which falls on a Friday, once again, giving us another lovely three-day weekend. As for those who celebrate Good Friday, that falls on Friday, April 3rd, leaving you with a long weekend suited for praying or travelling away.
However, don’t forget the eleven public holidays includes Labour Day, Vesak Day, and Deepavali.
So, what should you do to make the most of these public holidays? Book your flights and hotel rooms as soon as possible! As we all know, prices for both air tickets and hotels sky-rocket during public holidays.
Alternatively, plan a staycation in Singapore. Visit attractions that you haven’t seen before or enjoy a relaxing day at Sentosa beach.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, why not participate in the Standard Chartered Marathon or the colourful Songkran Festival this year?
Don’t forget to plan ahead and make arrangements with your colleagues so that you don’t cause chaos in the office with too many people taking leave at the same time!
So, as you can see, 2015 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for public holidays in Singapore. Whether you choose to travel or staycation, make the most of these long weekends with family and friends. So go ahead and grab that calendar now, and start planning your next holiday.
Introduction
Singapore, the Lion City as it is popularly known, boasts a rich cultural heritage, promising to charm those who visit. The city-state also celebrates numerous holidays each year, many of which have religious and cultural significance. In this article, we will delve into the 2015 public holidays in Singapore.
New Year's Day - January 1
The year, like many others, began with a bang in Singapore with the ushering in of New Year's Day. This day is marked by numerous festivities, fireworks, and wild celebrations. People dress in their best and attend concerts, watch the fireworks display, or head out to parties with friends.
Chinese New Year - February 19 and 20
One of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Singapore, Chinese New Year signifies the start of a new lunar year. The holiday lasts for fifteen days and concludes with the Lantern Festival. During this period, the streets are decorated with red lanterns, and families come together for feasting, games, and entertainment.
Good Friday - April 3
Good Friday, one of the significant days in the Christian calendar, commemorates the death of Jesus Christ. It is a day of solemnity, marked by special church services and processions.
Labor Day - May 1
A public holiday across the world, Labor Day is celebrated in Singapore on May 1. It acknowledges the contributions of workers and their rights. To commemorate this day, there are parades and speeches, and companies usually give their staff the day off.
Vesak Day - June 1
Vesak Day is another widely celebrated festival in Singapore that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. During this day, Buddhists visit monasteries or temples and participate in prayer sessions or give alms to the needy.
Hari Raya Puasa - July 17
Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. It is a day devoted to feasting and exchanging gifts with family and friends. Muslims wear new clothes and attend special prayers at mosques.
National Day- August 9
National Day marks Singapore's independence from Malaysia in 1965. This day is a time for patriotic celebrations and cultural shows that take place throughout the country. The highlight of the day is usually the National Day Parade, which features fireworks, military displays, marching bands, and fantastic performances.
Hungry Ghost Festival - August 28
The Hungry Ghost Festival is a month-long event that begins on the seventh lunar month in the Chinese calendar. During this period, people believe that spirits roam the earth, and various activities take place to honor these spirits. At night, people offer food and burn joss sticks to appease the ghosts.
Deepavali - November 10
Deepavali or Diwali is another widely celebrated festival in Singapore, particularly among the Indian community. It is a celebration of triumph over evil and light over darkness. Colorful lights, rangolis, and lights adorn the streets, and people come together for feasts, entertainment, and the exchange of gifts.
Christmas Day- December 25
As the year ends, Christmas is celebrated in Singapore with similar festivity and zeal as in other countries globally. The streets of Singapore are decorated with neon lights, Christmas trees, and all sorts of glitter as people come together for feasting and giving gifts to their loved ones.
Conclusion
2015 was an eventful year for Singapore, with numerous festivals and vacations to celebrate. Whether you are a tourist or resident in Singapore, the public holidays make it possible for everyone to experience the culture, traditions, and customs of this vibrant nation. From Chinese New Year to Christmas, every holiday is an opportunity for Singaporeans to come together and have fun. Whether you love food, music, entertainment, or just spending time with family, there is always something for everyone.
Comparison of Public Holidays in Singapore: 2015 vs other years
Introduction
Public holidays are a time when people take a break from their busy work schedules to spend quality time with their family and friends. Singapore, being a multicultural country, has a diverse range of public holidays throughout the year. In this article, we will be comparing the public holidays of Singapore in 2015 with previous years, analyzing the number of holidays, their significance, and how it affected the productivity of the economy.Number of Public Holidays in 2015
In 2015, Singapore had a total of 11 public holidays. The holidays include New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Good Friday, Labor Day, Vesak Day, National Day, Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji, Deepavali, Christmas, and the Counting of Votes for the Presidential Election. The total number of public holidays in Singapore for 2015 is the same as the year before.Significance of Public Holidays
Public holidays hold great significance in the religious and cultural beliefs of Singaporeans. For instance, Chinese New Year is a time when families reunite and welcome the new year afresh. Similarly, Vesak Day is dedicated to Buddha and commemorates his birth, enlightenment, and death. These holidays not only serve religious purposes but are also an opportunity for people to enjoy time with their loved ones, relax, and rejuvenate.Economic Impact of Public Holidays
While public holidays are seen as days off and a much-needed break from work, they do have an impact on the economy. According to a study by Singapore Business Federation, public holidays resulted in a loss of around SGD 1.4 billion in 2015, mainly due to reduced productivity and increased costs. However, businesses that cater to tourism, entertainment, and retail sectors tend to thrive during public holidays, as people spend more money on leisure activities and shopping.Comparing Number of Public Holidays in Other Years
In recent years, Singapore has seen a slight increase in the total number of public holidays. In 2011 and 2012, there were only nine public holidays, while in 2013 and 2014, the number increased to 10. This increase in public holidays is seen as a way to improve work-life balance and promote overall wellness among employees.| Year | Number of Public Holidays |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 10 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 11 |
Opinion: Is More Better?
While public holidays are a great way to relieve stress and take a break from work, too many of them can have a negative impact on the economy. Singapore strives to maintain its status as a leading financial center, and productivity is crucial to achieving this goal. Furthermore, public holidays can be stressful for employers, who must ensure that their businesses run smoothly and efficiently even when their employees are off work. Therefore, a balance must be struck between the benefits of public holidays and their impact on the economy.Conclusion
Public holidays play an essential role in the cultural and religious beliefs of Singaporeans. They provide people with much-needed time off work to rest, relax, and spend time with loved ones. However, they do have an impact on the economy, mainly due to lost productivity and increased costs. The total number of public holidays in Singapore each year varies slightly, with 2015 recording 11 holidays. As Singapore continues to strive for work-life balance, a balance must be struck between the benefits of public holidays and their impact on the economy.Introduction
Knowing the public holidays of a year is essential for everybody living in Singapore. Not only does it ensure proper planning of vacations and trips, but also helps to keep track of important days celebrated throughout the country. Here is a detailed guide on the list of public holidays for Singapore in 2015.New Year's Day – Thursday, 1 January 2015
The first public holiday of 2015 is New Year’s Day, which is celebrated on January 1st of every year. It is a global event, celebrated by almost every country around the world, including Singapore. This festive day marks the beginning of a new year, brings about new hopes, aspirations, and a fresh start.Chinese New Year – Thursday, 19 February 2015 and Friday, 20 February 2015
Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Singapore. This traditional celebration lasts for 15 days, starting from the first day of the lunar calendar. It is celebrated with much pomp and shows and is a time for families to come together, share traditional meals, exchange gifts, and pray to the gods for good fortune.Good Friday – Friday, 3 April 2015
Celebrated every year on the first Friday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, Good Friday is a Christian public holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day marked with church services and fasting.Labor Day – Friday, 1 May 2015
Labor Day or May Day is observed annually on May 1st and is dedicated to honoring the hard work and contributions of laborers worldwide. It is a day to celebrate and honor the achievements of workers and their contributions to society as a whole.Vesak Day – Monday, 1 June 2015
Vesak Day is an important Buddhist festival commemorated by millions of people worldwide. It celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, and typically involves performing good deeds such as giving alms to the poor, releasing caged birds or fish, and visiting temples.Hari Raya Puasa – Friday, 17 July 2015
Hari Raya Puasa is a Muslim festival that marks the end of Ramadan. It is a time for forgiveness, charity, and self-reflection, as well as a day for feasting and rejoicing with family and friends.National Day – Sunday, 9 August 2015
National Day marks Singapore's independence from Malaysia in 1965. It is a day for Singaporeans to celebrate their nation’s achievements and reflect on its progress over the years. The day is typically marked with a grand parade, national flag-raising ceremonies, fireworks, and concerts.Hari Raya Haji – Thursday, 24 September 2015
Hari Raya Haji is the second most important Muslim festival after Hari Raya Puasa. It marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah's command.Deepavali – Tuesday, 10 November 2015
Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu festival celebrated by millions of people around the world, including Singapore. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness with the lighting of lamps, the exchange of gifts, and the sharing of festive food.Christmas Day – Friday, 25 December 2015
Christmas is a Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for families and friends to come together, give gifts, attend midnight mass and participate in festive activities.Conclusion
Public holidays are days that mark the important events and traditions in a society. Singapore celebrates many public holidays which serve as a reflection of its multicultural diversity. Knowing the list of 2015 public holidays ensures proper planning and scheduling of activities without any conflicts. Celebrating public holidays can foster a sense of national pride and unity, as well as create an opportunity for cultural exchange and learning.Thank you for taking the time to read about the upcoming 2015 public holidays in Singapore. We hope this information has been useful in helping you plan your vacations around these special days.
As we've seen, Singapore has a variety of holidays that reflect its multicultural population. From Chinese New Year to Deepavali, each holiday has its unique significance and traditions.
It's important to note that not all public holidays are created equal. Some, such as National Day and Hari Raya Puasa, are celebrated nationwide with large parades and events. Other holidays, such as Vesak Day and Good Friday, may be more subdued but still hold great significance for certain communities.
No matter how you choose to celebrate these holidays, we encourage you to take some time to appreciate the cultural diversity and history of Singapore. Whether it's trying new foods or participating in local festivities, there's always something to discover and learn.
On a practical level, keep in mind that many businesses and attractions may have altered operating hours during public holidays. It's best to do some research beforehand to avoid any surprises or disappointments.
Lastly, we know that public holidays are a time for rest and relaxation. Whether you're traveling or staying close to home, we hope you'll take some time to unwind and recharge.
Once again, thank you for reading about the 2015 public holidays in Singapore. We wish you a happy and fulfilling year ahead, filled with meaningful celebrations and enriching experiences.
Below are some common questions that people also ask about the 2015 public holidays in Singapore:
1. How many public holidays were there in Singapore in 2015?
- There were 11 public holidays in Singapore in 2015.
2. When was Hari Raya Puasa celebrated in 2015?
- Hari Raya Puasa was celebrated on Friday, July 17, 2015.
3. Were there any long weekends in 2015?
- Yes, there were four long weekends in 2015:
- Chinese New Year (February 18-22, 2015)
- Good Friday (April 3-5, 2015)
- Vesak Day (May 1-3, 2015)
- National Day (August 7-10, 2015)
4. Was Labour Day a public holiday in 2015?
- Yes, Labour Day (May 1) was a public holiday in Singapore in 2015.
5. How many public holidays are there in Singapore each year?
- There are usually 11 public holidays in Singapore each year, although this can vary slightly depending on the lunar calendar.
People Also Ask About 2015 Public Holidays in Singapore
1. What are the public holidays in Singapore for 2015?
In 2015, Singapore had a total of 11 public holidays:
- New Year's Day - January 1 (Thursday)
- Chinese New Year - February 19 and 20 (Thursday and Friday)
- Good Friday - April 3 (Friday)
- Labour Day - May 1 (Friday)
- Vesak Day - June 1 (Monday)
- Hari Raya Puasa - July 17 (Friday)
- National Day - August 9 (Sunday)
- Hari Raya Haji - September 24 (Thursday)
- Deepavali - November 10 (Tuesday)
- Christmas Day - December 25 (Friday)
- Boxing Day - December 26 (Saturday)
2. Are public holidays in Singapore observed on weekends?
Yes, some public holidays in Singapore are observed on weekends. In 2015, National Day (August 9) fell on a Sunday, and it was observed as a public holiday on that day. Similarly, Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26) were both observed on their respective weekends.
3. Are public holidays in Singapore paid?
Public holidays in Singapore are usually paid for employees who are eligible for such benefits. However, this may vary depending on the employment contract, industry, and individual circumstances. It is advisable to check with your employer or refer to the Ministry of Manpower guidelines to understand your entitlement to paid public holidays.
4. What happens if a public holiday falls on a rest day?
If a public holiday falls on a rest day (usually a non-working day for an employee), the following working day will be considered a paid holiday instead. For example, if a public holiday falls on a Saturday, employees who do not work on Saturdays would typically have the next working day (usually Monday) as a paid holiday.