On 31 August 1957, while independence was declared in Kuala Lumpur, Penang also held its own Merdeka celebrations at the Esplanade (Padang Kota Lama). Thousands of people gathered there to witness the Union Jack being lowered and the new Malayan flag raised for the first time in Penang. The Esplanade has since remained a key venue for Penang’s annual Merdeka Day parades and celebrations.