Singapore Public Holidays 2012.

There are 11 officially gazetted Singapore holidays during the year 2012. They range from the New Year’s Day holiday on January 1 to Christmas Day on December 25, with those occasions in between representing Singapore’s complex ethnic mix. The full list of Singapore holidays in 2012 is as follows:

New Year’s Day: Jan 1.

This holiday signifies the beginning of the “Western” year. Since it falls on a Sunday in 2012, the following Monday is also a holiday.

Chinese New Year: Jan 23-24.

This holiday signifies the start of the Chinese lunar year, which in 2012 will be the Year of the Dragon.

Good Friday: April 6.

In the Christian religion, this represents the date of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, three days before Easter Sunday.

Labour Day: May 1.

This is a holiday which is observed in order to mark the achievements, both economic and social, of working people.

Vesak Day: May 5.

This holiday is important in the Buddhist religion, as it commemorates the Buddha, in particular the three major events of his birth, enlightenment and death.

National Day: Aug 9.

Singapore’s independence from the Malaysia is celebrated on this date, when there is an address by the Prime Minister and a major fireworks display.

Hari Raya Puasa: Aug 19.

This is an Islamic holiday, which is observed to mark the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Since it falls on a Sunday in 2012, the following Monday is also a holiday.

Hari Raya Haji: Oct 26.

Another Islamic holiday, this event commemorates the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael to demonstrate obedience to the will of God.

Deepavali: Nov 13.

During the “festival of lights”, Hindus mark the return of Lord Rama to the holy city of Ayodhya, having vanquished Ravana, the demon king.

Christmas Day: Dec 25.

This is a Christian holiday, on which believers celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.