This picture was taken from the Padang (Malay for ‘flat field’) and shows the Old Supreme Court Building (left centre) and City Hall (right centre) lighted up at night during a fireworks display for what was probably the National Day celebrations. Singapore’s first National Day on 9th August 1966 was marked by week-long celebrations that began with a big parade and march-past at the Padang (Malay for ‘flat field’), located in the old civic district of the city centre. The parade contingent consisted of 23,000 participants who marched from Chinatown to Tanjong Pagar. The National Day Parade has since become an annual affair and the Padang remains one of several venues used to host the event in different years.
