Celebrating Independence: All About Singapore’s National Day
Singapore has many amazing holidays and festivals, such as the Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Another holiday that I also love celebrating here is National Day.
Singapore really goes all out on National Day. There are parades, shows, and fireworks displays!
So, if you’re planning to go to Singapore in August, you might want to stick around during National Day (it’s on August 9). We’ll let you know what to expect and how to enjoy the holiday in this article.
What is Singapore’s National Day?
— From: ndpeeps
National Day is an event that celebrates Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. Before 1965—from 1960 to 1962—Singapore celebrated National Day on June 3 to mark the end of the British colonial rule.
National Day Parade: the Best Way to Celebrate
The National Day Parade (NDP) is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Singapore’s National Day celebration. It’s a parade that features contingents of the Singapore Armed Forces, the Ministry of Home Affairs, local institutions, and community groups.
When it comes to the venue, there are three options—The Float at Marina Bay, The Padang, and National Stadium—and they go on rotation. For example, in 2016, the parade was held at the National Stadium, then in 2017 and 2018, it was at Marina Bay.
NDP usually begins at 9 am, but people arrive earlier than that to secure a good spot to see everything. No matter what time you come, you’ll be spending hours at the venue because NDP is jam-packed with so many fun activities.
The parade’s program does change every now and then, but there are still a few activities that remain constant. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect on the day of the parade.
Pre-Parade
— From: ndpeeps
The fun starts even when it’s still a long way before the parade begins. The pre-parade activities of National Day includes displays of various artwork, choir performances, school band displays, and light-hearted live performances.
Sometimes, there might even be sky-diving displays, which are so thrilling to see in person!
The Parade
— From: ndpeeps
Of course, the parade is the highlight of the celebration, and the groups and organizations participating put all their effort into their displays.
All contingents will be wearing their respective uniforms, and there will also be military and marching bands. The President of Singapore will also be in attendance, so a presidential 21-gun salute will be performed.
Spectacular Show Segment
— From: ndpeeps
Once the traditional parade and ceremony end, it’s time for the spectacular show segment. You can expect about three or four main acts and then the grand finale, which features the song of the year’s NDP theme.
In 2023, the NDP show has four live acts featuring 43 artists and about 2,400 performers in various grand song and dance performances. There are also three short films—all of which showcase the stories and dreams of selected Singaporeans.
National Day songs will also be played live by performers. Feel free to vibe with the crowd even if you don’t know the lyrics.
Fireworks Display
The fireworks display is perhaps the most anticipated part of the parade. It happens after the grand finale, and it really is the perfect way to end an eventful day.
Aside from the gorgeous sight of colorful fireworks in the sky, you’ll also witness lively dance performances by lion and dragon dance troupes from various community centers.
The resonating sound of drumbeats and the crowd singing “Majulah Singapura” also complement the fiery display, so the whole NDP event ends on a high.
NDP Funpacks
— From: ndpeeps
Another thing you can expect when you attend the NDP is receiving an NDP funpack.
Essentially, a funpack contains all sorts of goodies. Food and drinks are the staple inclusions since the parade takes a long time and the weather is so hot and humid, but you might also find vouchers from participating companies and sponsors.
Distributing funpacks has been the norm since 1991, and I really like that there are still surprises with this tradition. You never know what goodies you get, and there are different funpack designs!
Post-Parade
— From: ndpeeps
Even if the fireworks display marks the end of the NDP, that doesn’t mean the fun stops here too. In fact, post-parade parties are actually common, and these are usually helmed by local celebrities and performers.
The parties usually last for an hour, so you have plenty of time to just have fun before going home.
What are the best things to do on National Day in Singapore?
If you’re not feeling up for the parade, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy during National Day. Commemorate the nation’s independence with these fantastic sights and things to do!
Join the activities in the heartlands
— From: ndpeeps
Even though the main National Day celebration is held at either The Float at Marina Bay, the Padang, and National Stadium, other venues in the heartlands host their own events.
You can catch festivities at Bedok Stadium, Jurong West Stadium, Toa Payoh Stadium, Woodlands Stadium, and Our Tampines Hub. At these venues, you can still see the NDP fireworks display.
These venues don’t just hold events on August 9. Sometimes, they also have celebrations on days leading up to the main event.
In 2023, they have events on August 5 and 6 before the main celebration on August 9.
Visit the iconic Istana
— From: xiaoming03
Istana is Singapore’s version of the White House. Under normal circumstances, the Istana is heavily guarded, but during National Day and other special occasions, it’s open to the public.
So, don’t miss your opportunity to explore this iconic landmark. While you’re roaming around, you can catch band performances by student groups from various schools.
You can even have a picnic on the lush, manicured grounds! So, feel free to bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy your time here.
Go on a food trip around Singapore
— From: shangrilasg
During National Day, restaurants all over the island will feature unique dishes in celebration of this momentous day.
I highly recommend going to rooftop bars and restaurants so that you can enjoy the view of the skyline while dining.
But ordering food from stalls in hawker centers is also a great idea. Food stalls are where you get the most authentic Singaporean treats!
And if you’re lucky, you might even get a discount on your order because of the holiday. Good food and a discount—yes, please!
Attend fun carnivals
— From: ndpeeps
A few days before National Day, many places in Singapore will hold carnivals, so if you ever come across one, be sure to check it out. With exciting rides, games, and scrumptious snacks—what’s not to like?
Many of the carnivals I find are usually in the heartlands, so don’t hesitate to go exploring. Off the top of my head, I remember attending a carnival in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Punggol Container Park, and Wisma Geylang Serai.
Stop by the National Museum
— From: natmuseum_sg
Since National Day is all about the history of Singapore, what better way to commemorate it than learn more about the nation’s past? One way to do that is to stop by the National Museum, one of Singapore’s most iconic museums.
The museum will also light up its facade in honor of the holiday, and it’s such a sight to behold. Additionally, if you aren’t able to attend the parade in person, you can just watch the live telecast being presented here.
Watch the fireworks display in other locations
As mentioned earlier, most people look forward to the fireworks display, and luckily, you don’t have to be in the NDP venue or any of the ones in the heartlands to enjoy the view.
There are many other places in Singapore that offer an unparalleled view of the fireworks. Here are a few of my recommendations:
- Gardens by the Bay. For the best view of the fireworks here, head straight for the OCBC Skyway or the Supertree Observatory. Bay East Garden is also a great viewing spot.
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. The SkyPark is located on the topmost part of Marina Bay Sands, so you’ll get an unobstructed view of the fireworks and the Singaporean cityscape here.
- Helix Bridge. Helix Bridge isn’t just one of the best bridges in Singapore; it’s also the perfect place to see all the NDP fireworks. Plus, the bridge lights up at night, which makes everything even more beautiful.
What’s closed on National Day in Singapore?
When you’re in Singapore during National Day, just keep in mind that many roads will most likely be closed due to the parade and other festivities.
These road closures don’t just happen on the day of; roads will also be closed for a few days in June and July. This is because there will be rehearsals for the parade and performances leading up to National Day.
To remain updated about road closures due to National Day, be sure to check out NDP’s website.
As for shops and restaurants, they’ll remain open, so you’re free to do your shopping and dining on National Day.