Racial Harmony Day on 21 July 2025 is more than a school celebration. It is a heartfelt reminder that Singapore thrives because of our diversity. Whether you are exploring your neighborhood or staying in, there are many fun and educational ways to get your family involved this year.
Let your children learn about different cultures through experiences that foster empathy and respect. From vibrant community events to hands-on home activities, every interaction can help build a stronger sense of unity. Here is how your family can celebrate meaningfully this year.
Community Events and Government-Backed Celebrations
On 19 July, major neighbourhoods such as Hougang, Sembawang West, and Woodlands will host exciting Racial Harmony Carnivals. Families can expect interactive games, food stalls, cultural performances, and art showcases that highlight Singapore’s vibrant ethnic heritage.
Organised by local Community Centres, these events are designed to be inclusive and engaging for kids. You can check with your nearest Community Centre for details. These activities help children see the beauty of multicultural living through fun and interactive ways.
SG60 Racial Diversity and Harmony Festival
As part of Singapore’s 60th anniversary, the SG60 Racial Diversity and Harmony Festival will feature family-friendly booths and activities. This includes batik painting, Chinese calligraphy, henna art, and cultural performances from different communities.
The festival is a fantastic opportunity for children to learn more about other traditions in a fun setting. It also gives parents a platform to introduce values like tolerance, kindness, and understanding. Event listings are available on the onePA website.
Harmony Fest at Singapore Sports Hub
Held from 5 to 6 July, Harmony Fest includes a symbolic Harmony Walk and interactive workshops like origami, batik, and cultural music sessions. Youth-led performances and heritage showcases also make it a meaningful weekend outing for the family.
Supported by Harmony Circles and local partners, the event is designed to encourage interfaith understanding. It blends education and fun to make big ideas like inclusion and racial respect easy for kids to grasp.
At-Home Activities To Try With The Family
Cook and Share Meals from Other Cultures
Whip up a dish from a different culture together with your children. You could try making Malay ondeh-ondeh, Chinese dumplings, Indian chapati, or Eurasian sugee cake. Talk about where the dish comes from and why it is meaningful.
Let your children take the lead in choosing recipes and decorating the final dish. Food is one of the best ways to teach culture, and this activity allows for hands-on learning. Sharing stories about food builds curiosity and appreciation.
Make a Harmony Word Wall
Turn a blank wall or board into a colourful display with words like respect, unity, and kindness written in English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. Use drawings, stickers, or handprints to decorate each phrase and make it more memorable.
This activity introduces kids to languages they may not use every day. It also encourages an early understanding of inclusiveness and communication. Keep the wall up throughout July as a daily reminder of racial harmony.
Explore Virtual Heritage Tours
If heading out is not possible, take your children on a digital tour of Singapore’s heritage. Museums like the Indian Heritage Centre and Malay Heritage Centre offer free virtual experiences for families. Some also include downloadable kits and craft activities.
After each tour, have a conversation about what your child learned. Ask questions that help them connect the past with the present. These virtual visits provide cultural lessons without having to leave home.
Watch and Discuss a Cultural Film
Plan a movie night with films or short documentaries that highlight Singapore’s multiracial society. Choose titles that focus on festivals, traditions, or family life across different ethnic groups.
Follow up with a simple discussion about what they saw and how it made them feel. This encourages thoughtful reflection and lets children voice their own experiences and thoughts. It is a fun way to blend entertainment with learning.
Create a Peace Tree Together
Use colored paper to cut out leaf shapes. On each leaf, your children can write the name of a festival, tradition, or value that represents a culture in Singapore. Hang the leaves on a tree branch or wall to create a Peace Tree.
This simple craft celebrates diversity through art. As you make it, talk about what each leaf means and why it matters. Display your Peace Tree as a proud symbol of your family’s support for racial harmony.
Harmony Circles and Local Programs
Harmony Circles across Singapore are running activities all month long. These include interfaith talks, cultural sharing sessions, and art workshops. Each one helps children understand and respect different belief systems and traditions.
Check your area’s Harmony Circle or visit the MCCY website for event calendars. These events are open to all and offer valuable community learning. They are also great ways to meet families from other backgrounds.
Community Centres are also rolling out special programs for Racial Harmony Day. From eco-musical workshops to traditional games and storytelling sessions, there’s something for everyone. Details are available on the PA portal and local notice boards.
Why Racial Harmony Day Matters for Kids
Teaching children about racial harmony is not a one-day task. It is a value that grows through repeated practice, conversations, and exposure to diversity. Racial Harmony Day provides the perfect occasion to pause and nurture that understanding.
Whether you are cooking, crafting, or attending a festival, every small action adds up. These experiences build stronger emotional and social awareness in children. They also prepare them to become kind, inclusive, and thoughtful individuals.
Join the Celebration and Share Your Moments
This July, take time to celebrate Racial Harmony Day as a family. Attend a local event, decorate your home, or just have a heart-to-heart conversation over dinner. Your effort helps pass down values that define who we are as a society.
Share your family’s activities on social media using the hashtag RacialHarmonySG. Inspire others and let your kids see the joy in spreading kindness. Together, we can keep the spirit of unity alive for generations to come.
