National Day of Singapore (2026)

Singapore National Day marks the country’s independence from Malaysia. Every year on August 9th, the Lion City roars with massive discounts in shopping centers, stunning fireworks, jovial parade, and red-white hues. The National Day in Singapore marks the end of its journey to becoming an independent nation. Today, Singapore holds a firm and prominent position as an economic leader not only in Southeast Asia, but the entire region and even on an international level.

A story of defiance and grit, here is everything you need to know about the National Day of Singapore.

Table of Contents

• Is Singapore National Day a public holiday?
• History of Singapore National Day
• Important Singapore National Day Symbols
• Singapore National Day Activities and Celebrations
• Singapore National Day Past and Future Observances

Is Singapore National Day a public holiday?

August 9th, the National Day of Singapore, is a public holiday in the country. This means that schools, government offices, and most businesses close for the day. Some shopping centers and entertainment hubs remain open to cater to families and friends who want to maximize the day off from work or school.

History of Singapore National Day

Singapore was once a territory of the British Empire. This island-state in Southeast Asia only achieved independence from Britain in August 1963. A month after its declaration of independence from British rule, Singapore joined the Federation of Malaysia after the 1962 Merger Referendum. After two years, Singapore decided to leave the federation and find its own place as an island-state in Asia. Thus, on the 9th of August, 1965, Singapore gained its own sovereignty and appointed Yusof bin Ishak as its first president.

Important Singapore National Day Symbols

The National Day symbols of Singapore are displayed in houses, buildings, schools in Singapore, and government offices to mark the patriotic spirit captured by the 9th of August. Most structures are illuminated in red and white colors consistent with the flag colors of Singapore. Red stands for brotherhood and equality found in the diverse neighborhoods of the country. White, on the other hand, symbolizes purity and virtue. Other elements in the Singaporean flag include the crescent moon and the five stars which are all colored white against a red field. The crescent moon stands for the nation’s young age which still has lots to conquer and achieve, whereas the five stars represent the country’s ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality.

Another symbol often associated with Singapore is the Merlion of the lion head symbol. Introduced in 1986, the lion head is the alternative national symbol of the country. A legend starring a prince named Sang Nila Utama, the emperor of the Srivijayan Empire, says that the emperor arrived in Singapore and saw an animal he thought was a lion. Thus, he renamed the city “Singapura”, a Malay word which means “Lion City” (singa = lion and pura = city). Since then, Singapore has been known as the Lion City.

National Day of Singapore Activities and Celebrations

Prior to the 9th of August every year, Singaporeans already start their celebrations through carnivals, concerts, mall sales, and other festivities. The National Day of Singapore itself is observed through a series of activities, such as a grand parade, a message from the Prime Minister, a rally, fireworks display, and cultural performances. The parade is usually held at Marina Bay and tells the story of Singapore. A rather entertaining part of the parade is the “funpack” or goodie bag which spectators receive. Moreover, the Singapore Air Force also flies past the parade together with many of its military aircraft. Before the celebrations end, there will be shows to watch and people will join in a mass pledge taking and singing of the national anthem. There are also post-parade parties in the evening, which feature famous local celebrities.

Singapore National Day Past and Future Observances

Below are the past and future observances of the National Day of Singapore over a span of ten years: