It is interesting to observe how avenues that were used for certain specific purposes in the past have transformed in to places where various modern-day activities are conducted. While many older buildings are now government offices and even hotels, some grounds like the Parade Ground in Fort Kochi are now primarily playgrounds. You will be amazed knowing the history of the ground, if you are standing there, watching youngsters playing cricket or football in the evenings.
The Parade Ground is a four-acre ground located at the heart of Fort Kochi. The ground was primarily used by various colonial powers including the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British for military purposes like parades, during their regimes. The Portuguese have also used this ground to store their armaments. The Dutch and then the English forces organised military drills in the ground and also used it to play hockey, football and cricket. At various points of history the flags of all these powers were hoisted in this ground. Today, the Parade Ground is a public sports facility that is extensively used by the local people. It is also famed as the venue for the inaugural ceremony of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, an international arts festival held annually in Kochi.
