Feb 01 2009
Time Again for Chingay!
I must admit I have not attended the Chingay parade before, although I have always heard so much about it. Perhaps being representative of the type of spectator that the Chingay organisers are aiming to reach out to.
In these challenging times, Singaporeans and especially the younger generation, should take this opportunity to look at our own homeland and see what it has to offer. Singaporeans love to travel, and whenever we go overseas we often try to time it such that we are able to witness the distinct festivities of that country. We always hear about the famous Mardi Gras of Brazil, or La Tomatina of Spain, but it may surprise us that the Chingay parade, held right here in our own backyard is equally famous and it attracts not just the locals, but many tourists who have the fortune to be in town during the Lunar New Year.
I had the chance to learn more about the parade as I interviewed three guests including Eileen Tan from People’s Association. What was surprising to me was that despite the Chingay parade being held over the Chinese or Lunar New Year, it is not just a celebration of Chinese culture but much like Singapore, the parade has grown to be infused with the flavours of every ethnic group which have all been welcomed to join in the festivities. The Japanese Association of Singapore for one has been a regular participant for the past seven years, and this year Chingay 2009 also proudly invited troupes from all over Asia including India, Philippines, Thailand and Korea.
Even the history of how this parade originated is not common knowledge, as I learnt when I quizzed my local friends. The word Chingay is actually a hokkien dialect meaning “the art of masquerade”. This tradition actually has its humble beginnings in Penang, Malyasia.
Chingay was introduced in Singapore in 1973 partly because of a ban on firecrackers (being a fire hazard) and since then has grown into a parade that not only adds gaiety and excitement during the Lunar New Year period but also truly turns our streets into a Wonderland as this year’s theme suggests. With a total of over 4,000 performers and 13 floats, this year’s parade promises to top all those before it. In fact, you’re being invited to Asia’s grandest street and floats parade this year.
The Chingay parade took place along the stretch from City Hall to Raffles Avenue over the weekend, and when I have time, i’ll try to post some snapshots taken at the parade 
7 responses so far
hi suzanne,
that was a very informative blog entry!. . .i just relocated to singapore and am fascinated by the local culture. as a korean american growing up in the US, i am not unfamiliar with ethnic and racial diversity and yet the diversity in singapore seems to be of a different nature. i can’t put my finger on it but it does seem to be unique compared to the ethnic and cultural diversity in the states. and the chingay parade is one manifestation of that. anyway, enjoyed reading your description of it. thanks!
paul
Welcome to Singapore Paul!
They are really friendly people on this island… I just wish everyone would smile more to show it instead of hiding it 
We have quite a number of Korean Americans in Singapore and they all seem to be enjoying it here
You’ll find that it’s easy to assimilate into the Singapore society and they’ll embrace you
It’s a different environment from the states but I’m sure you’ll have fun here… singapore style!
Cheers,
Suzanne
thank you thank you. . .
A friend from overseas recently asked me: “So it’s like the one in San Francisco?”. (_ _ _ _ g a y : Geddit?)
(Suz: The one in Brazil is called Carnaval, no? There’s a great film called Black Orpheus with that as a backdrop. Mardi Gras I thought is a New Orleans thing?)
Hi Yap,
you’re right. There’s one in New Orleans too. Mardi Gras is celebrated in a few places but i guess all with slightly different flavours… Have you been to one before?
Suzanne
Nope but I wanna go someday even though crowds are not my thing
Tinge of jealousy Suzzane.