Singapore National Day parade facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Singapore National Day parade
A nighttime scene of the National Day Parade at the Padang in 2023.
Genre	Parade
Frequency	Annually, 9 August
Venue	The Float at Marina Bay The Padang National Stadium Former National Stadium
Country	Singapore
Years active	59
Inaugurated	9 August 1966 (1966-08-09)

The National Day Parade (NDP) is a big yearly celebration in Singapore. It happens on 9 August to remember Singapore's independence. This event is the main way people celebrate National Day. It includes a parade with groups from the Singapore Armed Forces, Ministry of Home Affairs, local schools, and community groups. After the parade, there's a cultural show with music, dance, parachuters, and amazing fireworks!

The first NDP was held on 9 August 1966. This marked one year since Singapore became independent from Malaysia. Since then, it has been held every year. The parade used to be held mostly at the Padang. Sometimes, it was at the former National Stadium. It was also held in different parts of the country to let more people join in.

Starting in 1984, the Padang began hosting the parade regularly. This happened every three years at first, then every five years from 1995. It also hosted the parade for important anniversaries. Other years, the National Stadium was the venue.

When the old National Stadium closed in 2007, The Float @ Marina Bay took its place. This is a temporary floating stage on Marina Bay. It was built to host big national events while the new National Stadium was being built. Even after the new stadium was finished, The Float became the main venue. In 2023, the parade returned to the Padang for three years. This is because The Float is being rebuilt into NS Square.

History of the National Day Parade

A scene from the National Day Parade, 1968, with a group from the People's Association in front.

The flag of Singapore set up along pavements across the country.

Singapore Armed Forces Military Police Command providing security at the Padang during the National Day Parade in 2000.

Singapore celebrated its first National Day as an independent country in 1966. This was one year after Singapore separated from Malaysia on 9 August 1965.

The first National Day Parade started at 9:00 a.m. that day. But people arrived as early as 7:00 a.m. to get good spots. Singapore's first President, Yusof bin Ishak, and first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, sat at the grandstand. This was on the steps of City Hall.

When the parade began, six military groups marched past City Hall. These included the Singapore Infantry Regiment and the Republic of Singapore Police. Various schools and community groups also marched. Three military bands played music. The Singapore Fire Brigade also joined with their firetrucks. The parade ended with a large lion and dragon dance performance.

In 1967, the number of groups grew to 76. This included the newly formed Singapore Armed Forces. More cultural and civil groups also joined. This was partly because of the National Service program. Street performances by groups and choirs also started that year.

The 1968 parade was held on a rainy morning. But as the weather improved, the first ground performances took place on the Padang. This was a preview of today's show segments. The 1969 parade featured the Mobile Column for the first time. It also celebrated 150 years since the city's founding. Princess Alexandra of the UK was a special guest.

The fifth NDP in 1970 introduced the Flypast of the State Flag. The Republic of Singapore Air Force also did a flypast. A combat show by the Singapore Army was another new highlight.

The 1971 NDP included colorful parade floats from different groups. In 1973, the parade was held from late afternoon to early evening. This was to attract more people. It also marked the official debut of the 1st Commando Battalion. The 1974 parade was the first local TV show broadcast in color by Channel 5.

In 1975, to celebrate 10 years of independence, the parade was held in 13 different places. This allowed more people to take part. Almost all venues had street marches.

In 1976, the NDP was held at the National Stadium for the first time. The NDP Guard of Honour, made of SAF and Police officers, appeared for the first time. This was followed by evening performances, which led to future evening NDPs. The 1976 parade featured many female student dancers. This was because it marked the start of the United Nations Decade for Women.

The 1977 parade was held in different locations, like in 1975. It was also affected by rain. In 1978, the parade returned to the Padang. The 1979 parade was again held in many high schools and sports stadiums. This "decentralized" format continued until 1983. That was the last time the NDP was held in multiple venues until 2020.

The 15th NDP in 1980 introduced the feu de joie by the Guard-of-Honour. In 1981, the SPF Civil Defense Command (now Singapore Civil Defence Force) appeared for the first time. The 1981 parade was held in Jurong and Queenstown Sports Stadiums. This was to increase public attendance. In 1982, the parade returned to the Padang. This was the first time the mobile column drove past after the marchpast.

The 1984 parade celebrated Singapore's 25th year of self-governance. It introduced a theme song, "Stand Up for Singapore." It also featured a larger Mobile Column. The popular Silent Precision Drill Squad from the Singapore Armed Forces Military Police Command appeared for the first time. It also had the first evening fireworks display.

The 1986 parade was the first held in the late evening. It was also the first to use flashlights for the audience. Other new features over the years included:

• The massed military bands of the SAF (1987)
• The card stunt (1988)
• The Red Lions parachute team and daylight fireworks (1989)

In 1989, the parade was held in the afternoon. But the 1991 parade returned to the evening format.

In 1993, the public could take part interactively. This aimed to increase participation and show the parade's importance. In 1997, a National Education Show was added. Primary Five students from selected schools attended rehearsals.

In 2003, due to high demand for tickets, an electronic ballot system was started. Citizens could win tickets by registering their email or phone numbers.

In 2005 and 2010, besides the main parade at the Padang, events were also held in local neighborhoods.

A scene of the 2007 parade at The Float.

On 16 October 2005, it was announced that the National Stadium would close. It was part of the Singapore Sports Hub project. So, the 2006 parade was the last one there. The parade moved to The Float at Marina Bay in 2007. This temporary floating platform had 27,000 seats. It also had a large area for about 150,000 more spectators along the Marina Bay waterfront.

The 2013 NDP featured a TV show called Sing a Nation on Channel 5. Ten groups performed songs to win a chance to perform at the parade. The 2013 theme song, "One Singapore," was sung by the show's cast. It had the largest group of singers, with 68 members.

The 2014 parade featured the first female Red Lion parachutist, Third Warrant Officer Shirley Ng. The Red Lions' 2013 performance was canceled due to weather. The 2014 parade was also special because it was the last one attended by Singapore's first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew. He had attended every NDP since 1966. He passed away on 23 March the next year.

For 2015, parts of the celebrations were held at Marina Bay. Screens showed the parade live from the Padang. This was part of the five-year cycle and marked Singapore's 50th year of independence. Fireworks were set off at Marina Bay and the Marina Reservoir.

In 2016, the NDP was held for the first time at the new National Stadium. The parade format had to change due to the venue's limits. After returning in 2017, it was announced in October 2017 that The Float would be the "primary" NDP venue. This would be when the parade was not at the Padang every five years. The Float would be redeveloped into a permanent venue called NS Square.

The 2019 parade was held at the Padang. It celebrated 200 years since the founding of modern Singapore.

A Red Lions parachutist during the parade in 2022.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore, the 2020 parade was different. It was replaced by broadcast-only events. It started with the Prime Minister's National Day Message and a smaller parade at the Padang. The Mobile Column, Red Lions, and F-15SG fighter jets flew over different parts of Singapore. This let people see them from their homes. Traditional Funpacks were sent to every resident. Online activities and social media campaigns were also organized. A cultural show took place in the evening at the Star Performing Arts Centre. It had about 100 performers with social distancing. Organizers wanted to bring the event "across the island into every Singaporean's home."

In July 2021, it was announced that the 2021 parade would return to The Float. It would be smaller and closed to the public. Only "everyday heroes" would get tickets. All attendees had to be fully vaccinated and test negative for COVID-19. On 22 July 2021, due to new restrictions, the parade was postponed to 21 August 2021. A smaller "ceremonial" parade was held on 9 August at The Float.

The 2022 parade returned to full capacity. The goal was to "involve as many Singaporeans" as possible. Some safety rules remained, like vaccination for attendees over 12 and all performers. This was the last NDP at The Float before its rebuilding into NS Square. The 2023 parade was held at the Padang. Plans were discussed to possibly hold the parade at the National Stadium again in 2024. In September 2023, it was announced that the parade would stay at the Padang for 2024 and 2025. These parades will mark the 40th anniversary of Total Defence and 60th anniversary of Singapore's independence. Both parades are expected to have other events in Marina Bay and local neighborhoods.

NDP Venues

The Padang has been a historic venue for the parade. It is where Singapore's independence was declared. In 1976, the parade was held for the first time at the National Stadium. Its larger size allowed more people to watch live.

Even with about 60,000 seats at the National Stadium, tickets were always in high demand. So, there were efforts to hold the event in different places. This brought the celebration closer to more Singaporeans. From 1975 to 1983, the NDP switched between being held in different locations and being centered at the Padang or National Stadium.

From 1984, the parade was held at the Padang every three years. All other years, it was at the National Stadium. This three-year cycle continued until 1994. Then, it changed to a five-year cycle starting in 1995. An exception was in 2019, when the NDP was at the Padang for Singapore's bicentennial. In 2023, a series of three parades at the Padang began due to the building of NS Square.

The Padang, though historically important, is harder to organize. It has fewer seats for viewers. The event and rehearsals also require closing nearby roads. Temporary stands must be built around the field. However, it is the only suitable place for the mobile column. Heavy vehicles cannot be driven onto a stadium track.

The Padang was the main venue for the 2005 parade. Other activities were held in Marina South, Jurong East, Yishun, and Tampines. In 2010, the Padang was again the main venue. Other activities took place in Bishan, Eunos, Woodlands, Sengkang, and Choa Chu Kang.

NDP Logos and Themes

Since 1998, a special logo has been chosen for the NDP each year. These logos are used everywhere, including on social media. Before 1998, logos were only used for very special anniversaries. Slogans, like "Our Singapore, Our Future" (1997), have also been used.

Now, every logo is designed to match the parade's theme for that year. A tagline, which used to be called a slogan, is usually added to the logo. For example, in 2005, the tagline "The Future is Ours to Make" was part of the "40 Years of Nation Building" theme. These taglines often come from past National Day Rallies. They help bring the nation together to face future challenges.

Most logos use a lot of red. However, in 2007, blue was used more. This symbolized the water around the Marina Bay area. It's important to remember that themes and taglines are usually different. The theme is what the parade's show segment is based on.

How the Parade Works

The program and order of the parade change over the years. But some parts and the overall flow have stayed the same for decades. If the venue changes or if there's bad weather, parts of the program might be adjusted. For example, the Mobile Column can only be done at the Padang or Marina Bay.

Before the Parade Starts

The pre-parade part often includes:

• Large group displays
• Choir performances
• School band shows
• Sky-diving displays
• Other fun performances

These entertain the crowd before the main parade. They also encourage people to take their seats early. This segment used to be just a filler. But now it's a key part of the parade, especially since it's shown live on TV. The pre-parade also lets the hosts practice audience participation.

Motivators from TOUCH Community Services joined the pre-parade in 2002. Since 2003, TOUCH Community Services has mentored students from ITEs and Polytechnics. These motivators wear colorful costumes and perform dance moves.

Parade and Ceremonies

The parade itself is a traditional part of the NDP. Participants include:

• Members of the Singapore Armed Forces
• Singapore Police Force
• Singapore Civil Defence Force
• Representatives from the People's Action Party
• Different labor unions
• Students in uniformed groups like the National Cadet Corps
• Representatives from Singaporean businesses

Participants are divided into two main groups: the Guard-of-Honour (GOH) and Supporting Contingents. The five GOH contingents are from the four parts of the Singapore Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Digital and Intelligence Service) and the Singapore Police Force. They all wear their special ceremonial uniforms. Behind them are the Regimental Colours Party, holding the SAF's 37 regimental colors.

The parade's military bands are from both the SAF and SPF. In recent years, the marching bands from their cadet groups have also joined.

The parade usually starts with the Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (Parade RSM) getting everyone in formation. Then, the Parade Commander takes over. Both usually come from the SAF. The Parade Commander waits for important guests to arrive, like Members of Parliament, Cabinet members, and the Prime Minister of Singapore. The parade salutes them.

Finally, when the President of Singapore arrives, the National Anthem, Majulah Singapura, is played. The State Flag is flown past, and from 2011, it is also raised on a flagpole. After an aerial salute by the RSAF, the Parade Commander asks the President to inspect the parade. The President is joined by the Chief of Defence Force and the Parade Commander. A 21-gun salute is also given by the Singapore Artillery. The President usually speaks to some GOH members. After the inspection, the GOH performs a Feu-de-Joie. Then, the Parade Commander asks the President for permission to start the Marchpast.

Marchpast

The Parade Commander orders the groups to prepare for the Marchpast. They then march out of the parade grounds, with the massed bands at the back. Since the 1990s, Tentera Singapura is the first march played. In 2009, there was a City Marchpast where groups marched around the Central Business District. This ended at the F1 Pit Building. In 2010, the City Marchpast happened again around Marina Bay.

In recent years, the order of the supporting groups marching out has changed. The military and civil uniformed services march first. Then come economic firms, social organizations, and youth uniformed groups.

Mobile Column, Flypast, and Defence Display

In the 1966 NDP, an early version of the mobile column included saluting guns and police vehicles. The first full Mobile Column was in 1969. It showed newly acquired SAF vehicles, police vehicles, and fire trucks. In 1990, after a three-year break, the Mobile Column returned. It was part of Singapore's 25th year of independence. It has been shown during important anniversaries, like in 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2025. In 2019 and 2020, the vehicles drove through different parts of the city. This let people see the equipment up close.

Almost every NDP since 1971 (except 2016) has had a flypast. This features jets, training aircraft, transports, and helicopters from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

When the NDP is held at The Float in Marina Bay/NS Square, the Mobile Column and flypast become the Dynamic Defence Display (D3). This shows the military and public security abilities of the uniformed services. In 2018, a special RSAF flypast was held to mark its 50th year. The D3 will be at the Padang for the first time in 2024.

The 1980 parade marchpast at the Former National Stadium ended with a small civilian mobile column. It featured classic cars, bicycles, and motorcycles.

Show Segment

Highlights of the Show

Fireworks during parade day in 2011

The exciting show segment follows the traditional parade. It usually lasts about 45 minutes. Following the year's theme, the Show has three to six main acts. It ends with a Grand Finale, which usually features the year's theme song. This is followed by the much-awaited fireworks display. The whole parade ends with everyone singing National Day Songs. Then, they take the mass pledge and sing the National Anthem. In 2007, the fireworks were synchronized with a Sing Singapore medley. In 2009, all parts of the NDP were combined into one program. This was repeated in 2015.

The show started as mass displays by community groups or schools. These items focused on themes like racial harmony and youth strength. They included ethnic dances and mass gymnastics. Over the years, this section became more like a theater show. It went from large card stunt displays in the 1980s to multimedia projections and theatrical shows. In recent parades, performances have included short movies by local filmmakers. In 2021, the short movies became animated for the first time.

Float displays were also important in the 1970s and 1980s. Floats were designed to promote government campaigns or highlight companies. They returned in 1991, 1993, 1998, and 2005. They showed Singapore's past 40 years of nation-building. Floats also appeared in 2009 and 2010 to symbolize Singapore's diverse people. Floats returned in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2023. Boats and floats on Marina Bay were highlights in 1993 and 2018.

Today's parades, held from dusk to night, end with spectacular fireworks displays. These are a key feature of every parade. After the fireworks, there's a medley of songs. Then, people recite the pledge and sing "Majulah Singapura". In earlier parades held during the day (1965-1972) and later afternoon/evening NDPs (1973-1980, 1982, 1984), mass lion and dragon dance displays were the finale. Troupes from community centers would perform fiery displays. They were joined by flag dancers. These troupes later became part of the 1985, 1990, and 1993 NDPs.

Who Participates in the Show?

Many public and private companies take part in the show. But three main groups are key:

• The Peoples' Association and PA Youth Movement (involved since 1984)
• The Singapore Soka Association (SSA) (active since the 1970s)
• The Ministry of Education, represented by schools or groups of schools (a founding participant since 1966)

The Ministry of Education also provides the Combined Schools Band and Combined School Choirs. These are regular parts of the NDP. Since the 1980s, they have been part of the national celebrations. The Combined Schools Choir became a pre-recorded part of the parade from 2020. The Ministry also provides the School Display Band for the pre-parade. This comes from one of the many schools chosen to perform. Since 2016, volunteers from Team Nila also help as ushers and safety aides.

Multimedia Show

High-tech multimedia equipment is used during the show segment since 2003. Some notable technologies include:

• Projecteur d’Images Géantes Informatisées in 2003
• A water-curtain visualization in 2007
• LED Mash in 2008

After the Parade

After-parade parties were first shown on TV in 1997. They featured celebrities and performers. This celebrated the parade's success and entertained the audience. These parties usually last an hour. They end with the Chief of Defence Force, the NDP EXCO Chairman, and organizers cutting a cake. They also give speeches to thank everyone. The SAF Music and Drama Company usually hosts the party now.

Songs of the NDP

National Day Songs

Many community songs have been written for the Sing Singapore Festival, which started in 1984. But only a few National Day songs are still sung every year at the parade. They are known as the Sing Singapore Medley. This comes after the fireworks display during the Grand Finale. Since 2008, it has been the final part of the display.

Other National Day songs are also featured during the parade. They are played in the Pre-Parade segment, Parade and Ceremony segment, or with mass displays. For the Parade and Ceremony segment, four songs are performed. Each is in one of Singapore's official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. In past years, the final English song (before the President's arrival) was always the NDP theme song. In 2008, all songs performed during arrivals were past NDP theme songs. The song tradition returned in 2017, but only in the pre-parade and with a different language order. The music played has changed over decades. It shows changes in music styles and Singapore's multi-ethnic character.

The 2010 Parade and Ceremony had three songs. This was because Parliament deputies arrived before the parade. All songs were in English, with one having lyrics in the other three languages.

In 2011, there was a "Fun Pack Song" to the tune of Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance'. The song was quickly removed.

The 2013 medley had a record ten NDP songs. It lasted about five-and-a-half minutes. Songs included "Stand Up For Singapore," "Home," and "One Singapore."

In 2014, it was announced that no new songs would be produced for National Day. This was the second time in history. Instead, classic NDP songs were sung again. Past NDP theme songs were played during arrivals. The Sing Singapore Medley was sung as an epilogue after the national anthem. This was repeated in 2015. Both times, the 1998 theme song "Home" was part of the medley.

In 2016, the medley was also accompanied by special needs students. They hand-signed for the deaf and hard of hearing. This was another first. The 1998 theme "Home" was sung as well. Since 1989, a deaf representative has signed the Pledge for deaf viewers.

The 2023 medley included the theme songs from 2021 and 2022, which was a change from the past.

Theme Songs

NDP Theme songs started in 1984 with "Stand Up for Singapore." "Count on Me Singapore" was performed in 1986 by Clement Chow. Other famous songs include "We are Singapore" (1987–1988) and "One People, One Nation, One Singapore" (1990).

Theme songs were not very common in the 1990s until 1998. That year, "Home," composed by Dick Lee and sung by Kit Chan, became very popular. The 1998 parade featured "Home" and "City For The World." Its popularity led to new versions in 2004, including a rock version by JJ Lin. This helped new National Day songs become more known.

In 2003, the National Day theme song was separate from the Sing Singapore theme song. Stefanie Sun's "One United People" was the theme song. Sean Wang's "A Place In My Heart" was for the Sing Singapore 2003 Festival.

Before 2007, theme songs came in two languages: English and Mandarin. To promote the songs, music videos were made. They showed local landmarks and lifestyle. These were shown on Mediacorp TV and on the official NDPeeps YouTube and Facebook pages. Songs were also played on local radio. MP3 downloads were available on the NDP website from 2010.

Famous local singers like Kaira Gong, Kit Chan, Corrine May, Stefanie Sun, and Tanya Chua have performed NDP theme songs. The winner of Singapore Idol 2004, Taufik Batisah, sang the 2005 theme song "Reach Out for the Skies" with Rui En.

In 2007, there were two theme songs instead of one. 2009 was the last time a Chinese version of the English song was featured.

In 2013, the NDP theme song was sung by Singaporeans from a reality competition called "Sing A Nation."

In 2014, the NDP did not have a new official theme song. This was due to criticism of the past two theme songs. Instead, three older songs were remade into two music videos. Dick Lee's 1996 song, "Big Island," debuted during the show.

The theme song tradition returned in 2015 with a new song, "Our Singapore."

The 2018 parade featured a remake of "We Are Singapore." The 2019 parade remade "Our Singapore" (the 2015 theme song) as its theme song.

In 2020, a new theme song, "Everything I Am," was composed and sung by Nathan Hartono. The most recent original theme song is 2024's "Not Alone," sung by Benjamin Kheng and the SAF Music and Drama Company Singers.

The list of NDP theme songs:

1. Also used in the 1985 parade.
2. The MTV versions were choral renditions performed by Young Voices, which comprises the choirs from the Tanjong Katong Girls' School and Tampines Primary School.

How National Songs Help Build the Nation

National songs are taught in schools and shown on TV. Singing songs together was used by the government to unite the country. A National Folks Song Committee was started in 1980 to help with this. National Day theme songs are a part of these national songs.

National Day theme songs help define what it means to be Singaporean. The hard work of Singaporeans is shown as key to the country's success. Songs like "Stand Up For Singapore" (1984) and "Count On Me Singapore" (1986) encourage people to work hard. The unity of Singaporeans, despite their race and religion, is also highlighted. Songs use images that bring the country together, like the "lion's roar" in "We Are Singapore" (1987).

National Day theme songs show Singapore's progress over time. They tell the story of Singapore's fast economic growth. Songs from 1959 to 1983 tried to create a national identity. Between 1984 and 1996, the government worked to fully define this identity. "We Are Singapore" (1987) included lyrics like "There was a time when people said that Singapore won't make it, but we did." This aimed to make Singaporeans proud of their country's progress. Songs from the 1990s to the 2010s used less obvious patriotic lyrics. "Love At First Light" (2012) did not even mention "Singapore."

National Day theme songs also look to Singapore's future. They call people to action. "Home" (1998) showed Singapore's place in a global world. It encouraged Singaporeans living overseas to return home. The 1999 theme song "Together" referred to the country's Vision Statement. The music video for "Stand Up For Singapore" (2000) showed a modern Singapore. The four young singers danced in MRT stations and on a skyscraper rooftop. The 2009 theme song "What Do You See?" was the first by an indie rock band.

A survey in 2021 found that songs released before 2000 were more popular. These songs focused on dreams, home, and nation-building.

NDP Funpack

Funpacks were introduced in 1991. They contain different goodies each year. These can include food, drinks, vouchers from companies, and items for the parade. Examples are a special torchlight and the Singapore flag. Most funpacks are designed by students from local polytechnics and community services. In 2015, people from all walks of life designed 50 different funpack designs. These also included a Singa Lion Figurine, snacks, and games.

Most years, the funpacks are packed by members of the armed forces. In 2009, prisoners packed them through the Yellow Ribbon Project. In 2015, a similar 'SG Funpack' was given to every Singaporean and permanent resident household.

In 2019, the funpacks were redesigned to be more environmentally friendly.

See also

• Singapore National Day Rally