With the cute cheongsams in the washing machine and the lo hei all tossed, we’re feeling in need of just one more big, dazzling and in-ya-face kind of celebration for Chinese New Year. Drumroll please for… Chingay Parade 2017! We got a sneak peak of the fun at the recent Chingay National Education pre-show, and it’s bigger and brighter than ever! Here’s the lowdown on an unmissable event that the whole family will love…
1. Opening Ceremony: Crescent, Moon and Stars
Hold onto your hats for the opening ceremony of Chingay 2017: we’re talking 600 performers chosen to represent the five core values of our national flag (democracy, justice, peace, prosperity and equality, to save you Googling) and a showcase of 1,500 local organisations holding high their WeCare Singapore banners.
2. We Care for the Past: Yesteryears’ Chingay and our Ethnic Cultures
Floats, floats and more floats. The second segment of the show is split into four Acts including a re-creation of past iconic performances such as the 1974 Tiger Float: we’ve seen it: it’s amazing!
3. We Care for the Present: Friends All Over the World
It’s impossible to pick a fave part of the show, but we did have a huge soft for the mega-cool drumming performances and the hugely talented local and global acts in this impressive section of the parade.
4. We Care for the Present: CoExistence With Peace and Harmony for the Future of Singapore
Elaborate props and costumes, high-energy youngsters and the spirit of National Service are what it’s all about in segment four! Definitely a part of the evening where you’ll be feeling the patriotic warm and fuzzies.
5. We Care for the Present: Our Mission, Our Cause
Prepare for some melodious feel-goods when 30 groups perform to music with a message about their missions to build a strong nation of Singaporeans.
6. We Care for the Present: Art Everyone
Over 1,000 dancers and musicians represent how hugely vibrant and colourful our communities are. Expect to be on your feet dancing: the good vibes are infectious!
7. Grand Finale
Water, fire, snow, pyrotechnics and fireworks: the finale is a big bang of colour with performances representing the energy of youth and how confidence can help overcome challenges ahead. A tall order that Chingay fills gloriously.
But what do the kids say? Nine-year-old, Angelica – who took all of the photos for this story – gives us the verdict:
“Chingay was FANTASTIC! I loved it all (even though it poured with rain the whole time – make sure you take your waterproof jackets), but I really, really thought the floats were brilliant. The tiger one from olden times was my favourite. I also loved the National Service part with the light-up soldiers, and all the dancing. The fireworks were pretty cool too. You should definitely go if you can as it is such a fun and colourful night out (plus you get to stay up really late).
Chingay Parade Singapore
When: 10-11 February, 7pm
Where: F1 Pit Building (Next to Singapore Flyer)
Cost: From $28.50 per person
www.chingay.org.sg
Photography: Angelica Tristram