The first Singapore National day was celebrated in 1966, a year after Singapore gained independecne from Malaysia on 9 August 1965. The day is joyously celebrated with a national ceremony including a parade that was first held at the Padang (1966-1974) and then the National Stadium and now the Float@Marina Bay, a floating stadium comprising a multi-purpose mass spectator event facility and a floating stage located next to the Esplanade- Theatres on the Bay, near the Marina Bay Sands.

The annual event is held from dusk to night, featuring military parades, mass display floats, dances, and multimedia projections put up by various community groups and schools with themes revolving around national building, racial harmony, unity, and love for the country. The flypast of various military aircraft by the Republic of Singapore Air Force is a regular NDP favourite, the chorus of voices singing familiar National Day Songs, mass pledge taking and the singing of the Singapore Anthem are all an integral part of the celebrations which end in the grand signature National Day item – the fireworks climax.

The multi-million dollar production is organised by the Singapore Armed Forces, with the involvement of a multitude of public and private organisations, and funded by sponsors from various public and private organisations.

Singapore national flag being hoisted up by helicopters during National Day Parade 2012.

Military marches are an integral part of the big parade.

Ethnic cultural performances and multimedia projections added much colours and entertainment to the celebrations.

The event culminates in spectacular fireworks bursting into the night sky.

End of “Singapore National Day Parade” Back to “Singapore Public Holidays”.