St Patrick's Day Parade 2012 @Singapore River

I joined the many participants who came dressed in green to celebrate Singapore’s 7th annual St Patrick’s Day street party. The colourful, multi-cultural parade featured free open-air street performances from percussion groups, bagpipers, dancers and brass bands.

A torrential downpour before the parade commence did not dampened the high spirits of those present. Everyone had fun despite the light drizzle.

Guest-of-honour Mr Sam Tan (Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and Mayor, Central Singapore District) kicked off the parade by cutting a green ribbon.

Singapore’s St Patrick’s Day Parade is a unique collaboration between Irish and Singaporean organisations. Last year 4,000 participants took part in the event, making it the biggest annual Irish event in Southeast Asia.

It was a fun day out for friends and family.

Nothing can stop me from participating in this street party !

This year the parade is held in conjunction with World Down Syndrome Day. It also aims to promote awareness on how people with Down Syndrome can be active participants in society. The parade cum buddy walk included a range of exciting activities – from face-painting, balloon sculpturing to a street party!

This year’s celebrations is significant as it marks the 7th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) and for the first time, this day will be officially observed by the United Nations!

The parade stretched across the Singapore River from Empress Place by the Asian Civilisations Museum, travelling down the Waterfront and over Cavenagh Bridge near the Fullerton Hotel, before finishing up with performances at UOB Plaza.