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SINGAPORE: Some 20,000 people thronged the Esplanade and Marina waterfront area on Sunday afternoon to take part in National Day Parade fringe events.
Cultural performances at the Esplanade got Singaporeans into the National Day mood before the actual parade kicked off in the evening.
The multi-racial Dikir Barat performance by youths from the Sri Warisan group was just one of the many ethnic performances organised by Esplanade Theatres on the Bay.
Outside, some 30 Singapore Management University students from the Masala Samba group drummed to a different beat!
The percussion group, which was set up in 2004, modified some of their pieces to reflect local traditions, incorporating Indian and traditional Chinese beats.
Kenneth Loy, president of the Masala Samba, said: "We thought it'll actually be the best way to celebrate our nation's 44th birthday, using our music to spread the love, plus we really had a great time last year."
Besides the performances, balloon artistes created a multitude of colour balloon sculptures for children while others got their faces painted in various red-and-white designs.
Despite the squeeze, the crowd was clearly in a celebratory mood.
The National Day parties and promotions at the Esplanade started as early as Friday.
Some F&B outlets like the 7atenine bar, which faces the Marina waterfront, had their reservations fully booked even before Sunday.
Bar patron, Ignacio Escobedo, said: "We heard about the (National Day Parade) fireworks, that they are spectacular and we plan to stay here as long as we can and enjoy the celebration."
- CNA/ir
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