A
military parade (
square bashing in British military slang) is a formation of soldiers whose movement is restricted by close-order manoeuvring known as
drilling or
marching. The
military parade is now almost entirely ceremonial, though soldiers from
time immemorial up until the late 19th century fought in formation. Massed parades may also hold a role for propaganda purposes, being used to exhibit the apparent military strength of one's nation.