Brunei Darussalam National Day
Hi everyone!
Brunei Darussalam just recently celebrated its 32nd National Day on the 23rd of February 2016. Here's a link to a video of the celebration as filmed by the local newspaper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=a7d2rwxYBhs
Back when I was in school, I have vivid memories of lining up outside the Istana (palace) with all my classmates and students from various different schools and waving small flags as the royal family drove past. National Day celebrations are often celebrated in a big and many times lavish manner in other parts of the world and Brunei is no exception. After all, it marks the day we became independence- the day we existed as a country of its own entity. Residents of different age, race and religion come together and celebrate this very special day. Primary school students are often found right outside the palace cheering and waving Bruneian flags as the royal family makes their way to the main park where the festivities are held. I remember how hot and sweaty we will get and we would often bring small battery powered fans, umbrellas and of course lots and lots of snacks. In addition, there will always be vendors around selling snacks (but we have to obtain permission from the teachers if we wanted to go off and buy them). Often we would wait at least 2 hours before the royal family appears but when you're with your friends, you can hardly feel time passing. Hence my primary school memories of National Day was one of joviality and cheerfulness, oh and the humidity.
When I was in secondary school, I was one of the people selected to partake in the field performances that will take place at the main park. It was indeed a memorable experience, we were given reflective sun shades of differing colours. We were to use these shades to form a big image, we were basically jigsaw pieces. Choreographing it is a remarkable feat and each year, multiple choreographers hired by the government will be sent to various schools to teach a different section of the image to them. This was no easy task both for the performing students and the choreographers. On the days leading up to the big day, we would head to the main park and rehearse. It was hot and tiring but it also meant that we got to skip classes! Being one of the performers among hundreds of others was such a thrilling experience. Not only do you have field performances, there is also a march past procession by different organizations and government departments and an airplanes display by the Air Force. It is definitely one of the biggest celebrations in the country!
-Karen-
Brunei Darussalam just recently celebrated its 32nd National Day on the 23rd of February 2016. Here's a link to a video of the celebration as filmed by the local newspaper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=a7d2rwxYBhs
Back when I was in school, I have vivid memories of lining up outside the Istana (palace) with all my classmates and students from various different schools and waving small flags as the royal family drove past. National Day celebrations are often celebrated in a big and many times lavish manner in other parts of the world and Brunei is no exception. After all, it marks the day we became independence- the day we existed as a country of its own entity. Residents of different age, race and religion come together and celebrate this very special day. Primary school students are often found right outside the palace cheering and waving Bruneian flags as the royal family makes their way to the main park where the festivities are held. I remember how hot and sweaty we will get and we would often bring small battery powered fans, umbrellas and of course lots and lots of snacks. In addition, there will always be vendors around selling snacks (but we have to obtain permission from the teachers if we wanted to go off and buy them). Often we would wait at least 2 hours before the royal family appears but when you're with your friends, you can hardly feel time passing. Hence my primary school memories of National Day was one of joviality and cheerfulness, oh and the humidity.
These are just some pictures of past national day celebrations. The latest one is in the video that I linked above. Its funny, so many years have passed since I last partake in the celebration but I can clearly remember it like it was just last month! Definitely one of my fond memories of my schooling days. The hectic atmosphere interspersed with joyous laughers and mischief. Being abroad and writing this post certainly forced me reminisce about those younger, innocent-filled days. I'm remembering things I didn't think I'd remember! Hahha look at me getting all sappy. Guess its time to end the post with a Happy National Day everyone!
-Karen-
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