Chingay Festival in Singapore

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Every year, as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, an annual street parade known as the Chingay Parade is held in Singapore. Chingay means the art of masquerade in the Hokkien dialect and is Singapore’s equivalent to the Mardi Gras of Brazil. It is also the biggest street dance party in Singapore.

Started in 1973, this national festival of Singapore began as a neighbourhood parade and only the Chinese participated in the event. Today, the parade has evolved to be the grandest street parade in Southeast Asia, highlighting the rich, vibrant multi-ethnic and cosmopolitan cultures of Singapore with exciting performances from overseas. In 2009, troupes from all over Asia including India, Philippines, Thailand and Korea were invited to perform in the Chingay parade.

The parade also brings thousands of individuals in Singapore together to take part in this grand and highly spectacular festival every year. The Japanese Association of Singapore for one, has been a regular participant for the past seven years!

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An example of the elaborate floats displayed during the Chingay Parade. This design is of Singapore’s icon- the Merlion.

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An example of some of the performer’s elaborate costumes.

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The performers even encourage spectators to participate in the Parade through dancing or in this case, drumming!

As Singaporeans, we feel that the Chingay Parade is a wonderful opportunity to show case the culture and diversity in Singapore and it also brings the nation together. This united feeling allows all Singaporeans and foreigners alike, to bond and celebrate in this massive street festival.

With the Chingay After-Parade Party, everyone ranging from the spectators to the performers can enjoy themselves dancing along to the beats of renowned DJs spinning tracks on the roads of Singapore. Where else can you dance on the streets with what seems like half the nation? Only in Singapore, you can!

What are you waiting for? Come join in the celebrations and bask in the spirit that is uniquely Singapore!

References:

1, 2 and 3.