Racial Harmony Day
Next: July 21, 2027
Many cultures, one tapestry.
The story
Where it comes from
Racial Harmony Day began in Singapore's schools in 1997, when the Ministry of Education launched National Education and named a handful of days for pupils to mark each year. It falls on 21 July because racial riots broke out on that day in 1964, and the day is meant, in the ministry's words, to remind pupils of the importance and fragility of racial harmony. It is a day of reflection that has grown into a celebration of how Singapore's many cultures live and grow together.
How it's celebrated
Schools hold the day on or near 21 July. Many pupils come to school in traditional clothes, often a friend's rather than their own, and classes share snacks and play traditional games such as chapteh, congkak and five stones. Lessons look back at the history and talk about friendship across races and religions. Community groups hold events too, and it is a natural day to send a card to a neighbour or friend from another community.
Did you know
- The same 1997 launch of National Education also set out Total Defence Day and National Day as days for schools to mark.
- Singapore's Declaration on Religious Harmony was read for the first time at Racial Harmony Day celebrations in July 2003, and schools read it every year.
- When Methodist Girls' School first marked the day in 1997, one of its 13-year-old pupils later returned to teach history there.
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