Explore Racial Harmony Day in Singapore! Discover its significance, enjoy family-friendly events celebrating multiculturalism, and find books that promote unity among children. Celebrate diversity this 21 July!
You might have heard a lot of buzz about Racial Harmony Day in Singapore this month, but what is it all about? It’s an important day to highlight Singaporeans of different races living in harmony and celebrate our diversity.
The history behind Racial Harmony Day in Singapore
First launched in 1997 by the Ministry of Education in schools, Racial Harmony Day commemorates a pivotal moment in Singapore’s history – the 1964 race riots. This sombre occasion, marking the tragic events of 21 July 1964, during Singapore’s period as part of Malaysia (1963–1965), saw 22 lives lost and hundreds injured.
Beyond this, the 1950s and 1960s witnessed several communal tensions, continuing even after Singapore gained independence in August 1965. Race matters might be dicey to address with the kids, but they are crucial. Heading out on family-friendly events to celebrate Racial Harmony Day can be a fun way to start the conversation with the kiddos.
Today, Racial Harmony Day is celebrated every year on 21 July (date may change for school celebrations) and has evolved significantly as there are many fun ways to celebrate. Here are some family-friendly events you don’t want to miss! Plus, we also share some books about unity that you can check out with the kiddos this Racial Harmony Day.
Click below to read more:
What Racial Harmony Day means to us!
Family-friendly Racial Harmony Day events
Books about Racial Harmony
Racial Harmony Day in Singapore 2024: What Racial Harmony Day means to us!
We went around the office to ask some of our colleagues what this special day means to them! Here’s what they share:
“My favourite mem
ory was performing a song in Chinese for the choir as part of the Racial Harmony Day performance – it was fun singing in a language that I was unfamiliar with and made me appreciate the language more as a Malay speaker. To me, racial harmony means to be able to understand and accept one another for their different cultural practices and beliefs. To have empathy and realise that the way you do things in your culture isn’t THE way. It also means putting in the effort to learn about the various cultures and having an open mind while doing so.” —Raiz
“As a Singaporean, I grew up with the cosmopolitan nature of our city. So, racial harmony was never spotlighted but rather a lived, everyday experience. A core memory for me is performing in a massive racial harmony-themed play during my kindergarten years. With no thought about skin tone or heritage, I ended up befriending several kids of various races and backgrounds. My only regret is that I still haven’t tried wearing a sari.” —Ashe
“In secondary school, I remember exchanging traditional outfits within my multicultural friend group. I lent a kebaya to my Chinese friend, while my Indian friend lent me her lengha. I was really excited to get dressed up for the celebrations and looked forward to it for weeks! I don’t remember much else from that day but we took lots of photos together and they’re some of my favourite memories from my school days.
“Racial harmony, to me, means understanding and respecting each other’s cultures and customs and not passing judgment on another ethnic group’s practices. It also means seeing people beyond their race and not imposing prejudices upon them, while also being empathetic of their lived experiences. I try my best to address questions objectively whenever my kids ask about the differences between people and races. Often, they’ll make an observation about something like their Indian classmates’ bindi or Chinese neighbours burning offerings, and we turn it into a mini-lesson on the practices people of other races and religions conduct. I also make sure to find books featuring people of different races and abilities and talk more about characters with disabilities whenever we spot them in the kids’ TV shows.” —Syaz
Racial Harmony Day in Singapore 2024: Family-friendly events & things to do!
1. Racial Harmony Day 2024 @ Our Tampines Hub
Celebrate Singapore’s vibrant multiculturalism and embrace racial harmony this July at Let’s Embrace – Celebrating Harmony by the National Heritage Board! Located at Our Tampines Hub, this exciting event offers many activities for families. Dive into a guided heritage trail, enjoy immersive storytelling sessions, and join cultural cooking workshops. Explore a travelling exhibition and participate in a community mural painting event. Meet the staff from the Indian Heritage Centre, Malay Heritage Centre, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, and Eurasian Association to gain unique insights into their work. Don’t miss the Let’s Embrace – Celebrating Harmony Cultural Performance featuring local artists at the Town Square, hosted by Mediacorp.
When: 13 to 14 July 2024, 11am to 7pm
Where: Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523
2. Celebrate Racial Harmony Day with OnePA
Join your neighbours across the island to celebrate Racial Harmony Day in your community! Various events, including interfaith dialogues, cultural celebrations, carnivals, and unity walks, will take place in neighbourhoods throughout July. From Woodlands to Punggol, MacPherson to Clementi, these events showcase the diversity and unity of Singapore’s multicultural society. Watch on social media or check with your local Community Centre for more details on nearby events.
When: Throughout July
Where: Various locations; find out more here
3. Head to a free storytelling session by Gateway Arts
Celebrate racial harmony with free storytelling sessions at Gateway Arts Theatre every Saturday in July! Join us as we embrace our differences through stories like ‘It’s Okay to be a Unicorn!’ by Storyteller Risa. Discover Cornelius’ secret and learn the importance of accepting our uniqueness.
When: Saturdays in July, from 10am
Where: Gateway Dance Theatre, 3615 Jalan Bukit Merah Singapore 159461
4. Go on a heritage trail
How about some outdoor fun under the sun during the Racial Harmony weekend? Check out Singapore’s rich heritage with exciting heritage trails. Whether it’s Chinatown or Haji Lane, these trails are perfect for discovering Singapore’s multicultural charm.
5. Tuck into some local eats!
Tuck into some amazing local food over the Racial Harmony weekend! Local cuisine is a unique highlight that celebrates cultures mingling. Check out our guide on your must-try dishes!
Racial Harmony Day in Singapore 2024: Books about race and more!
How about diving into some local reads to teach kiddos about racial harmony? Here are our top picks!
1. Timmy & Tammy: What is Singapore? by Ruth Wan-Lau
Join Timmy and Tammy on their exciting journey of exploration and learning! Discover the wonders of Singapore. As they seek to define Singapore, Timmy and Tammy craft their own unique and heartwarming perspective.
2. Welcome to our World: A Celebration of Children Everywhere by Moira Butterfield
Explore the lives of children around the globe in this beautifully illustrated book! Discover the similarities and differences across cultures, from meals and clothing to games and celebrations. This heartwarming book teaches children about understanding, harmony, and respect, showing that despite diverse traditions and languages, we all love family, friends, food, and fun. We think it will be heartwarming to read this Racial Harmony Day!
3. Different? Same! by Heather Tekavec
This clever picture book introduces animal characteristics by showing how seemingly different animals all share one surprising trait: stripes!
4. Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism by Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a leading racial justice activist, answers children’s questions about racism in this practical and engaging guide. With insights gathered from kids across the UK, she explores racism’s history, modern forms, and strategies for recognition and resistance. This book empowers young readers to confront racism, manage emotions, and advocate for equality through practical tips and empathetic discussions.
Looking for more reads on diversity? Check out our list!
Have a great celebration this Racial Harmony Day with the kids!
