Get ready for all the National Day fun with our guide to all things SG58!
National Day 2023 in Singapore, SG58, is here. So what can you expect from the celebrations? Here’s everything you need to know!
First up: what is National Day?
National Day in Singapore is celebrated every year on 9 August, commemorating Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. The main event of the holiday is arguably the much-loved National Day Parade, as well as the address by the Prime Minister of Singapore and a fireworks celebration.
National Day 2023: what to expect
The SG58 theme
This year’s theme is “Onward As One”, a call for all Singaporeans to look forward confidently and move onward together in building a shared future as one united people. “Onward” reflects a nation that is forward-looking and resilient to any challenges that lie ahead. “As One” underscores the collective ownership of Singapore’s future and the importance of inclusivity and unity.
The National Day 2023 theme song
The NDP 2023 theme song, titled “Shine Your Light”, is written and composed by Don Richmond and Shigga Shay. This year’s song is all about reaffirming the “can-do” and “go-getter” spirit of Singaporeans and encouraging us to continue chasing our goals, overcoming adversities and helping others along the way. In doing so, everyone can shine a light and inspire others to give their best too.
The celebration
On the day itself, you can catch familiar crowd favourites like the State Flag Flypast and the Presidential Gun Salute during the parade and ceremony at The Padang. Look out for the RSAF55 Aerial Display and the Total Defence Parade — a special segment featuring floats and assets from the SAF, SPF and SCDF.
The fireworks
You can look forward to dazzling simultaneous fireworks displays in the Float AND the heartlands on 9 August.
BONUS: All the National Day 2023 guides you need!
1. National Day family events
We’ve put together a list of all the fun family events this National Day 2023 right here!
2. 50+ things to do over the National Day weekend
To celebrate SG58, we’ve put together a list of 50+ awesome things to do with the kiddos here in sunny Singapore!
3. National Day crafts
What better time to grab the arts and crafts supplies or head into the kitchen than National Day? We’ve listed some fab ideas for National Day, from cool crafts to yummy recipes – all to try at home!
4. Red and white National Day clothing
Get everyone decked out in red and white! We’ve got a couple of spots around town (and online) for you to snag some cool threads for the little ones (and you)!
5. National Day feasts
We have scoured the island for some of the best National Day-inspired food for dining in, takeaway, and delivery, in case you don’t feel like cooking.
6. Quintessential Singaporean activities
From feasting on hawker food and going on a trishaw ride to spending a day out prawning or wandering through a local museum, there’s no better way to celebrate Singapore than by going on an adventure that really embraces Singapore culture – the fun and authentic experiences that capture the true culture of this fascinating place we call home!
Here’s to a happy and exciting National Day this year!
