Get ready for all the National Day fun with our guide to what SG57 and the NDP will look like this year!
National Day 2022 in Singapore, SG57, is edging closer (the earth-shattering noise of the jet fighters buzzing over town has probably been a hint!). So what can you expect for the celebrations while we’re slowly working our way out of the pandemic? Well, for starters, there’s the return of the usual large-scale celebration, which will be held at The Float @ Marina Bay. And of course, everything will also be streamed live on both TV and online. What else is happening, you ask? Read on!
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 2022: what to expect
The SG57 theme
This year’s theme is Stronger Together, Majulah!, a call for all Singaporeans to forge ahead as a united and strong people towards a better future. “Stronger Together” reminds everyone that unity in diversity is what makes all of us stronger. Communities, families and friends coming together form the bedrock of the nation’s strength and resilience, enabling everyone to overcome challenges. “Majulah”, meaning “onward”, encapsulates the people’s hopes and spirit as a nation since Singapore’s independence. The word is also a rallying call for Singaporeans to strive for a better future and grow from strength to strength as the country emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The National Day 2022 theme song
The NDP 2022 theme song, titled “Stronger Together”, is written and composed by Don Richmond, and directed by Lindsay Jialin. The video is inspired by real-life Singaporeans and focuses on the community and resilience of the countryfolk. These stories remind everyone of the power of unity, and how we can overcome challenges, celebrate victories, and strive toward a stronger future.
The celebration
On 6 and 7 August (AKA National Day weekend), celebrations will take place at five locations across Singapore. NDP @ Heartlands will feature large carnivals with myriad activities that families can partake in, informative and engaging exhibitions, and performances by local artists. The Singapore Armed Forces and the Home Team will dazzle you with an awesome static display of platforms. Keep a lookout for the Red Lions, who’ll be performing two exhilarating jumps over two heartland locations! The National Day Rally by the Prime Minister will air on the evening of 8 August. This message is typically delivered in three languages: English, Mandarin, and Malay.
On the day itself, the National Day Parade will take place at The Float. It is expected to start in the evening, typically at 5pm. The parade is divided into two segments: Strength of Our Nation, featuring the actual parade and ceremony, the presidential gun salute, and the state flag flypast; and The Story of Us, the show segment which tells the story of Singaporeans over the last two years.
The fireworks
Fireworks are back this year! You can look forward to dazzling simultaneous fireworks displays in the Float AND the heartlands on 9 August.
BONUS: All the National Day 2022 guides you need!
1. National Day family events
We’re definitely not letting the pandemic stop us when it comes to celebrating National Day, so we’ve put together a list of all the fun family events this National Day 2022.
2. 57 things to do over the National Day weekend
To celebrate SG57, we’ve put together a list of 57 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 the National Day weekend? So, 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
In case it wasn’t already obvious, during the National Day weekend, everyone loved to be decked out in red and white. So 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. Majulah Singapura!
