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]
| National Day | |
|---|---|
   .jpg)  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 | Singapore |
| 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 (1960–1962) 9 August (1965–present) |
| Frequency | Annually |
History
editDate of National Day
edit1960–1962
edit
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 1962, Singapore celebrated National Day on 3 June to mark this occasion and the end of colonial rule.[2][3]
Festivities
editNational Day Parade
editThe 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
editThe 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
editOn 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
editNational 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
editNotes
editReferences
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ "Singapore's first National Day celebrations".
- ^ "60 years ago, Singapore celebrated National Day on June 3. Here's why". TODAY. 3 June 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
- ^ "National Day Messages". Archives Online. 7 August 2018.
- ^ Chew, Hui Min (20 August 2016). "From babies to casinos: 11 memorable National Day Rally speeches". The Straits Times.
- ^ 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.
