Mar 22 2009
More Chingay Response…
A quick response to a query I received on my blog…
Somebody asked me about the origins of the Chingay Parade which I promised to include in my next blog… so here it is. I had to look it up myself online and from various official sources because most of the people around – native Singaporeans – were not too sure either how it came about. It’s quite interesting really why Chingay was introduced in Singapore years back and I think understanding the origins of it can help us appreciate the event better.
Anyway, the word Chingay means “the art of masquerade”. It’s a Hokkien word. It has its humble beginnings in Penang, Malaysia actually (and I thought it was celebrated in China!) and it was introduced to Singapore in 1973 to add noise and vibrancy to a relatively quiet island then. Singapore had banned firecrackers as a result of a fatal accident once, so the government decided to bring back cheer and joy to the people via Chingay - a very colourful and energetic event.
Well, today, it’s Asia’ biggest street parade and is watched by over a million people each year.
Where are some of best places to watch the parade?
1. Esplanade/Merlion
You get a good view of what’s happening on the streets AND the beautiful fireworks at night. But the challenge is to find a good spot. Lots of people crowd around here as they know it provides one of the best views to enjoy the night skyline too.
2. Swissotel/ The Sail
This is the place to be if you want to get that much closer to the colouful spectacle display up in the night sky. Watching the fireworks from the top floors of the Sail must be surreal… Not been there myself but heard it’s amazing. If you work in the Shenton Way area and have a good view from where your office is… you’re in luck too.
3. Singapore Cricket Club
Another good place to enjoy the parade for free. Easy access since it’s near the MRT station.
So, now we know. Until the next parade then…
5 responses so far
frankly, im moved by ur sincere response to ur blog readers.it makes me reflect on e way i response to my blog reader cos most of the times i think some of the commends wrote by strangers are ’stupid’….ummm..i like ur politeness
hi ,
I found Chingay Parade information on the internet to share with everyone,it is like the popular Chinese New Year, it holds on the first weekend of New Year.It is the most distinctive festival,although only 37 years of history , collects cultural performances in many countries, especially Asian. I do not know why the photographic effects are not very good on the internet, is there any official media to report this special event, the firecrackers on the opening ceremony let me think of Spring Festival, but the performance of Chinese straw dragon and 500 korean’s large-scale action are the most impressive to me , i really want to say thanks for their harder work. Here, i am a little worried:instead of narrowing the gap between the new festival and old one, is it possible the new festival will substitute for the traditional New Year?
Not sure if my memory serves me right. I remember that Chingay parades in my childhood days, say 20 odd years back, were basically a display of Lunar New Year themed floats that made its way around the suburban neighbourhoods. I have a fleeting memory of standing on the sidewalk of the main street, snacking on preserved olives and watching the floats (displays affixed to lorries) slowly drive past me. While Chingay parades today are more colourful and multi-cultural, I find that the Lunar New Year aspect of the parade has been diluted over time, which in my opinion is a pity. Guess I am just one of those ‘nostalgics’ pining for a memory.
Has it ever comes to you these festivals become a bit out of hand and too touristy??
Chingay is nice, but somehow it always gives me the impression that it’s there to attract tourists. In today’s world, it’s hard to find festival which still harbours the original meaning. New festivals sprouts out in response to attract outside tourist. E.g. “Hi” Seoul Festival, I still could not appreciate its motto for Seoul to spread its friendliness to the world, I would be better off to spend a week at Andong to savour the Korean soju culture. The world’s biggest festival, Oktoberfest is totally out of hand,with my German friends claiming its no longer seen much of a German thing, and there is more non-Germans than German in Munich during this time.
Apologies for my sarcastic tone, I feel much for all cultures. As tourist, I will want the festivals to stay the original form as they started off. I would be more than happy to be welcomed to join in their festivals to be like the locals and not the locals to change their festivals for me
Your blog attitude is as excellent as your voice but getting to street parades sorry my legs would ache watching such beautiful pagents standing in person and I\’d feel like relaxing with a good old leg rub down to fall asleep. Cheers!