Singapore Public Holidays 2024 Calendar

Ever wondered why certain days in Singapore feel extra special, with bustling streets, vibrant celebrations, and a sense of unity in the air? It's because of public holidays! These designated days throughout the year hold cultural, religious, and historical significance, bringing people together to celebrate, reflect, and recharge. In this guide to Singapore Public Holidays 2024 Calendar, we'll explore the key dates, traditions, and entitlements associated with each holiday. From the lively festivities of Chinese New Year to the solemn observance of Good Friday, each holiday offers a unique opportunity to connect with loved ones, honor traditions, and take a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. So, whether you're planning a family gathering, marking a religious milestone, or simply looking forward to a day of relaxation, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know to make the most of Singapore's public holidays in 2024.

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Overview of Singapore Public Holidays

Singapore celebrates a diverse array of public holidays, reflecting the multicultural and multi-religious nature of the country. These holidays hold significant cultural, religious, and historical importance to various communities in Singapore. Understanding the significance of each public holiday contributes to fostering harmony and appreciation for Singapore's rich cultural tapestry.

Importance of Knowing Public Holidays

Knowing Singapore's public holidays is essential for several reasons:

• Planning Personal and Family Activities: Public holidays provide opportunities for individuals and families to plan outings, gatherings, and vacations. Understanding the holiday calendar allows people to make the most of their leisure time and create memorable experiences with loved ones.
• Observing Religious and Cultural Traditions: Singapore's diverse population comprises people from various religious and cultural backgrounds. Knowing the dates of public holidays enables individuals to observe religious rituals, participate in cultural festivities, and uphold traditions that are important to them and their communities.
• Work and Business Planning: Public holidays impact work schedules and business operations. Employers need to consider public holidays when scheduling shifts, organizing projects, and managing staffing levels. Similarly, employees need to plan their workload and time off around public holidays to ensure productivity and work-life balance.
• Promoting Social Cohesion: Public holidays provide opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together and celebrate shared values, traditions, and national identity. These occasions foster social cohesion, promote understanding, and strengthen community bonds.

By being aware of Singapore's public holidays and their significance, individuals, businesses, and communities can effectively plan, celebrate, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Singaporean society.

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Singapore Public Holidays 2024 Calendar

Here's a detailed overview of the public holidays in Singapore for the year 2024:

• New Year’s Day: 1 Jan 2024 (Monday)
• Chinese New Year: 10 Feb 2024 (Saturday) - 11 Feb 2024* (Sunday)
• Good Friday: 29 Mar 2024 (Friday)
• Hari Raya Puasa: 10 Apr 2024 (Wednesday)
• Labour Day: 1 May 2024 (Wednesday)
• Vesak Day: 22 May 2024 (Wednesday)
• Hari Raya Haji: 17 Jun 2024 (Monday)
• National Day: 9 Aug 2024 (Friday)
• Deepavali: 31 Oct 2024 (Thursday)
• Christmas Day: 25 Dec 2024 (Wednesday)

* Monday, 12 Feb 2024, will be a public holiday.

New Year’s Day - 1 Jan 2024 (Monday)

New Year's Day is a global celebration marking the beginning of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar. In Singapore, it's a time for festivities, fireworks, and resolutions for the year ahead. Many people gather with friends and family to count down to midnight and welcome the new year with hope and optimism.

Chinese New Year - 10 Feb 2024 (Saturday) - 11 Feb 2024* (Sunday)

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Singapore, particularly for the Chinese community. It's a time for family reunions, traditional customs, and feasting. Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, and 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. The celebrations typically include lion and dragon dances, visiting relatives, exchanging red envelopes (ang baos) filled with money, and indulging in festive delicacies.

* Monday, 12 Feb 2024, will be a public holiday.

Good Friday - 29 Mar 2024 (Friday)

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed by Christians around the world. In Singapore, it's a public holiday that allows Christians to attend church services, participate in processions, and reflect on the significance of Christ's sacrifice. Many churches hold special services and events to mark the solemnity of the occasion.

Hari Raya Puasa - 10 Apr 2024 (Wednesday)

Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It's a joyous occasion for Muslims in Singapore, who celebrate with prayers, feasting, and acts of charity. The day begins with special prayers at mosques, followed by visits to relatives and friends, where traditional Malay delicacies are shared. It's a time for forgiveness, gratitude, and strengthening bonds within the community.

Labour Day - 1 May 2024 (Wednesday)

Labour Day honors the contributions of workers to society and advocates for better working conditions and rights. In Singapore, it's a public holiday that acknowledges the achievements of the labor movement and provides an opportunity for workers to rest and recharge. It's also a time to reflect on the progress made in improving workplace conditions and to advocate for continued advancements in labor rights.

Vesak Day - 22 May 2024 (Wednesday)

Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Day, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. In Singapore, it's a significant religious and cultural holiday observed by Buddhists. Devotees visit temples to participate in prayers, offerings, and candle-lighting ceremonies. Acts of generosity, such as giving alms to the needy and releasing captive animals, are also common practices on Vesak Day.

Hari Raya Haji - 17 Jun 2024 (Monday)

Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. In Singapore, it's a time for Muslims to perform the Hajj pilgrimage (if financially and physically able) and to celebrate with prayers, feasting, and acts of charity. The day begins with the sacrifice of animals, such as sheep or goats, followed by prayers at mosques and communal meals with family and friends.

National Day - 9 Aug 2024 (Friday)

National Day is a significant patriotic holiday in Singapore that commemorates the nation's independence from Malaysia in 1965. It's a time for Singaporeans to celebrate their national identity, unity, and achievements as a sovereign nation. The day is marked by various events and activities, including a National Day Parade, fireworks displays, cultural performances, and community celebrations. It's an occasion for reflection on Singapore's progress and contributions to the world stage.

Deepavali - 31 Oct 2024 (Thursday)

Deepavali, also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In Singapore, it's celebrated with colorful decorations, oil lamps, fireworks, and delicious sweets. Hindus visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings from the deities. Deepavali is also a time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and sharing festive meals with loved ones.

Christmas Day - 25 Dec 2024 (Wednesday)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most widely observed Christian holidays worldwide. In Singapore, it's a time for religious services, gift-giving, and festive gatherings with family and friends. Many churches hold midnight Mass or special services on Christmas Eve, followed by celebrations on Christmas Day. The holiday is marked by decorations, carol singing, and indulging in traditional Christmas feasts.

Understanding the significance and timing of these public holidays will help you plan your schedule and make the most of your time off throughout the year. Whether you're participating in cultural celebrations, religious observances, or simply enjoying a well-deserved break, these holidays offer opportunities for rest, reflection, and connection with loved ones.

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Payment for Work Done on Public Holidays

Understanding your entitlements and rights regarding payment for work done on public holidays is essential for both employers and employees in Singapore. Let's delve into the details of how public holiday pay is calculated and what options are available for employees.

Entitlements for Employees Covered by the Employment Act

Employees covered by the Employment Act are entitled to 11 paid public holidays each year. These holidays include the ones listed in the Singapore Public Holidays 2024 Calendar. Covered employees are entitled to receive their gross rate of pay for the public holiday, regardless of whether they work on that day or not.

Calculating public holiday pay for covered employees:

Public Holiday Pay = Gross Rate of Pay

This means that if a covered employee does not work on a public holiday, they will still receive their regular salary for that day. It's important for employers to ensure that covered employees receive their entitlements in accordance with the law.

Substitution of Public Holidays

Employers and employees may mutually agree to substitute a public holiday for another working day. This flexibility allows businesses to maintain operations while still providing employees with time off to observe religious or cultural holidays that are important to them. However, it's crucial for employers to ensure that employees are not disadvantaged by the substitution and that they receive their entitlements in accordance with the law.

Additional Pay for Employees Required to Work

Employees who are required to work on a public holiday are entitled to additional compensation on top of their regular salary. This is to recognize the sacrifice of employees who forego their holiday to ensure essential services continue to operate smoothly. The additional pay is calculated as follows:

Additional Pay = Basic Rate of Pay + Gross Rate of Pay for that Day

This means that employees who work on a public holiday will receive their regular salary for that day plus an extra day's salary at their basic rate of pay. Employers are obligated to ensure that employees receive their additional pay in accordance with the law.

Time-off-in-lieu Option for Specific Employee Groups

In addition to receiving additional pay, certain groups of employees may be eligible for time-off-in-lieu for working on a public holiday. This option allows employees to take time off at a later date to maintain work-life balance. The specific groups of employees eligible for time-off-in-lieu are:

• Workmen earning more than $4,500 a month
• Non-workmen earning more than $2,600 a month
• All Managers and Executives

Employers should ensure that eligible employees are aware of their rights regarding time-off-in-lieu and that they have the opportunity to take their accrued leave in accordance with the law.

By understanding these payment options and entitlements, both employers and employees can ensure fair treatment and compliance with labor regulations regarding work done on public holidays in Singapore. It's essential for employers to communicate clearly with their employees about their rights and obligations regarding public holiday pay to maintain a positive working relationship and foster a culture of fairness and transparency in the workplace.

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Conclusion

As we conclude this guide to Singapore Public Holidays 2024 Calendar, it's clear that these designated days play a crucial role in shaping the rhythm of life in Singapore. From moments of celebration and reflection to opportunities for rest and rejuvenation, each holiday offers something unique to individuals and communities across the island. By understanding the significance of these holidays and knowing your entitlements as an employee, you can better plan your time, strengthen bonds with loved ones, and contribute to the rich tapestry of Singaporean society.

As you mark your calendar and anticipate the year ahead, remember the importance of cherishing these moments of cultural diversity, religious observance, and national pride. Whether you're partaking in traditional festivities, attending religious ceremonies, or simply enjoying a day off with family and friends, may each public holiday in 2024 be a reminder of the values, traditions, and shared experiences that unite us as Singaporeans. So, here's to a year filled with joyous celebrations, meaningful connections, and moments of gratitude for the vibrant mosaic of cultures that make Singapore truly unique.