August 1966 - Parade of parties

If you always felt that you should get more than one day off for National Day, then go back in time to the 1960s. Singapore's first National Day, celebrated on Aug 9, 1966, was a week-long affair involving a massive parade, fireworks, floats, cultural shows, and dinner parties.

The very first parade's theme was "National Pride and Confidence in the Future" and took place on the morning of Aug 9, unlike current parades which happen post-lunch. Though rainfall at 10.37am dampened the celebrants, it certainly didn't affect morale. Spectators found whatever shelter they could but didn't move out of view. More than 23,000 people including soldiers, children, cultural groups and dragon dancers took part, with President Yusof Ishak viewing the parade from the City Hall steps. The parade continued on to Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar, where participants were greeted b…