Chingay Parade, Singapore Overview

The Chingay Parade is an annual celebration of the Lunar New Year in Singapore. Named Asia’s largest street parade, this electrifying fiesta features extravagant and intricately decorated floats, cultural dance shows, dancing dragons, martial arts displays, stilt walkers, and aerial performances that span different cultures, ethnicities, and traditions.

Derived from the Mandarin word for ‘costume,’ this iconic extravaganza by the People’s Association showcases the best of the Lion City’s diverse and unique culture, with captivating lights, huge floats, costumed characters, street performances, and props. A brilliant expression of Singapore’s welcoming hospitality that embraces diversity and people from all nationalities – Chinese, Malay, Eurasian, Indian, and many more - the Chingay Parade is a riot of colors, music, and celebrations that hosts a different theme every year. The show-stopping grand finale features a dazzling firework show and a spectacular light display against the stunning Singapore skyline. A whopping eleven thousand performers participated in this parade in 2015, and the festival has only grown since then. First started in 1973, this remarkable gala brings together the varied population of the country and celebrates unity in all its colorful glory – even international artists and troupes are invited every year to participate in the festivities!

Origin of Chingay Parade

The Chingay performance was born in China when the Penang Chinese performed it as street art that required the performers fine balancing at a giant flag of around 30 feet and 60 pounds during diety processions. It gradually took its way to Malaysia as a birthday celebration of the Chinese deities. It took the form of a parade of Goddess Guanyin, also known as the Goddess of Mercy. Its primary purpose was to honour and worship Guanyin. Now, it is not only restricted to China and Malaysia but is celebrated in Singapore too, with all its glory. It has been successful in attracting people of all races and ethnicities, especially the Malays and Indians of Singapore, making it a multiracial performance. This festival has become one of the most monumental and remarkable landmarks with expressive cultural markers.

The first Chingay Parade in Singapore was a result of the 1973 firecracker ban. Since Singaporeans weren't pleased with the ban, the People's Association and the Singapore National Pugilistic Association together, organised a parade from Jalan Besar to Outram Park, that featured the signature floats, lion and dragon dances, stilt walkers and acrobats that impressed the crowd and helped move the attention from the ban to the parade. This predominantly Chinese procession took a multi-cultural turn from the year 1977 after the Malay and Indian communities also contributed their performances in the celebration.

Celebrations & Events

Theme: The theme for the 2024 parade is “Blossom”.

Chingay Carnival: A family-friendly location with a host of activities for children and adults alike, the Chingay Carnival boasts party games, life-sized Jenga, balloon shooting, go-karting, a huge obstacle course, and other fun activities. Snack on delicious local street food and watch the performers show off their elaborate costumes at this three-day carnival – admission is free!

Chingay Heartlands: Party like a local and hit up the Garden City’s friendly neighborhoods to enjoy Chingay Heartlands, the regional nightly parties held on the streets during the Lunar New Year. This is a great option to enjoy the festivities without the rush of the main parade. Neighborhood potlucks and street performances are held here – the parade also passes through these locations, so patrons can also catch a glimpse of the dazzling shows. Keep in mind that the location of the Heartlands party changes every year, so visit the official website for more details.

Highlight of Chingay Parade

The main highlight of the Chingay Parade is the performances given by different cultural groups. The primary ethnicities bring Chinese, Malay and Tamil, representing their distinctive cultures in their true sense. The Indian performers showcase their traditional stunts and dances, while the floats portray their cultural history and mythology. This is followed by the Chingay act, for which artists worldwide fly down to perform. International artists from countries including Malaysia, China, the Philippines, France, and Brazil give spectacular performances and add to the melting pot. The Chingay Parade has always been welcoming of different nationals performing Chingay. The parade concluded with a street after-party until late at night.