The National Day Parade (NDP) is an annual parade held in Singapore to commemorate its independence. Held annually on 9 August, it is the main public celebration of National Day, and consists of a parade incorporating contingents of the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force, Singapore Civil Defence Force, primary and secondary school uniformed groups and other community groups, followed by a cultural presentation featuring music, songs, dance displays, and a fireworks show.
First held on 9 August 1966 to mark the one-year anniversary of Singapore's declaration of independence from Malaysia, it has been celebrated annually ever since. The parade had historically been held at the Padang, but were occasionally held at the former National Stadium, and in a "decentralised" format across the country to encourage wider public participation. Beginning in 1984, the Padang began to host the parade on a regular cycle (initially once every three years, and then every five years beginning 1995) and during all years marking anniversaries of national significance, with the event otherwise hosted by the National Stadium.
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