Photos by Alvin Toh and Jonathan Tan
Nearly as old as the first May Day Rally organised by NTUC in 1965, the annual May Day Fiesta has been a tradition for workers and their families in Singapore.
While its name has evolved in the 52 years since it first started out as the May Day Carnival in 1966, the event never deviated from being an opportunity for them to share in the May Day celebrations.
Something For Everyone
This year, the May Day Fiesta 2018 saw over 25,000 union members and their family members descend upon the newly refreshed Downtown East for a day of fun, laughter and entertainment on 30 June 2018.
NTUC President Mary Liew, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng and NTUC Central Committee members were also present to meet, greet and mingle with Fiesta-goers. They also distributed ice cream as little tokens of appreciation.
While the revamped Wild Wild Wet water park and its Royal Flush and Free Fall rides continued to be one of the main highlights, this year’s Fiesta also featured an immersive LM Experience showcase.
Held at the Event Square in Downtown East, the LM Experience highlighted the myriad of services and digital products offered by NTUC’s U Associates, U Future Leaders, U Startup, social enterprises and NTUC's e2i (Employment and Employability Institute).
“I’ve been attending the May Day Fiesta events for the past four years now. It’s a good way for me to take time off work and spend some time with my wife while enjoying the atmosphere and fun activities. This year, what caught my eye was the digital showcase by some of the social enterprises. I think it is very useful to get to know about the technological developments,” said Ang Ghee Heng, a Building Construction, And Timber Industries Employees’ Union (BATU) member.
Completing the carnival atmosphere were the additional carnival rides which comprised slides, bumper cars and even a pirate ship. There were also stage performances by nEbO youths and U Live ambassadors to keep guests entertained throughout the day.
“We really enjoyed ourselves. We also came last year, and this has been a good way for us to come out and have fun as a family,” said Shazrul Salis (pictured), a Metal Industries Workers’ Union (MIWU) member.
“We were really looking forward to being able to playing as a family on the water slides and attractions at Wild Wild Wet. And it’s great that we can also come and walk around and check out the different booths and activities too,” added Tyson Yang, an NTUC member.
An Inclusive Celebration
Taking place over the same weekend on 1 July 2018 at Downtown East was the first run of the Family Fun Fiesta 2018 (F3) that was been organised together with the May Day Fiesta. Organised annually by NTUC Club, F3 lets lower income union members enjoy some time out with their families and build stronger bonds without worrying about the costs.
Two more runs of the F3 have been lined up for the year, with NTUC Club sponsoring a total of $1.5 million for the initiative. They have been scheduled for the weekends of 17-18 November 2018 and 3-4 December 2018.
Catch Up on the Action!
In case you missed the fun, here are some snapshots from May Day Fiesta 2018.
This year’s NTUC May Day Fiesta welcomed union members to a day of fun at Downtown East!
From balloon art to fire-eaters - showstopping moments to keep everyone entertained!
SG Ng Chee Meng distributing ice-cream to help Fiesta-goers cool off in the heat.
NTUC President Mary Liew and fellow Central Committee members meeting and greeting fellow union members.
Fiesta-goers enjoying a much-needed cool treat in today’s sunny weather.
Children having a wild time at Wild Wild Wet.
A young Fiesta-goer and his dad having a go at the carnival games.
SG Ng Chee Meng handing out some sweet treats to a young Fiesta-goer.
