Chingay 2010

Highlights of Chingay 2010

Chingay stands for spontaneous expression of a new communal spirit and Singapore soul. It will reflect the collective dreams, cultures, and celebrations of our people and of our way of lives in Singapore in a new Chingay Parade of Dreams.

• Majestic flying horses promise to make an impression with strange fantasy characters in Chingay 2010 Grand Opening - The Soaring City!
• Traditional dragon and lion dancers seize the
  parade grounds by storm! Cover your ears as you
  marvel at the crackling Chingay's FIRST pair of
  Fire-cracker dragons!
• Legendary well-loved tales (Butterfly Lover, Puteri
  Gunung Ledang and Indralogam) weaved into rich
  multi-ethnic performances will spin you into a spell
  of intrigue
• Wonders from around the world - thrilling displays
  by overseas and local groups promise to enthrall.
• The story of Yellow River 黄河 takes centre s
  tage for the first time in the history of Chingay.
• Samba Singapore! Gyrate and rock to the Samba Parade in Asian (Singapore) fashion! Be thrilled by waves of colours, glittering floats and high energy moves by 2,000 performers!
• The Grandest Finale in Chingay History will debut in Chingay 2010 with a moving presentation of the "Colours of the Lion City and Celebrations" – jointly presented by the People’s Association Youth Movement, Resorts World at Sentosa, Singapore Soka Association and multi-cultural partners.

Chingay 2010 will be on 20th Feb 2010 at Pit building. For more information on ticket sales, please go to: http://www.chingay.org.sg/2010/ticketing.asp

History of Chingay

In 1973, the People's Association and the Singapore National Pugilistic Federation came together to stage a grand street show to add to the gaiety and excitement of the Lunar season. Although not religious in nature, the first procession, consisting about 2,000 participants, was totally Chinese, with a potpourri of stilt-walkers, big-headed dolls, pugilistic groups and mini operas. There were also prancing lion and dragon dancers and flag bearers who showed off their prowess in balancing the gigantic and colourful triangular flags.  

So well received was the first parade in 1973 that it became an annual event. For over a decade, the procession toured different housing estates from 1974 to 1984. Since 1985, Orchard Road became a permanent venue, which garnered a wide following among tourists and Singaporeans.

 

In 1990, to celebrate 25 years of Singapore 's independence, Chingay made its evening debut. Glittering floats, winking lights and sequined costumes were all part of the spectacular night parade. The Millennium Chingay saw the parade moved to a new route at the historic civic centre in front of the City Hall in 2000.

 

Chingay reached its cosmopolitan peak in 2000 and 2001 when exotic groups from far-flung regions like Tahiti , Ghana , Brazil and Slovenia made their first appearance and thrilled tourists and Singaporeans. They met their match in the sophisticated and strong participation of the local arts groups. Traditional art forms, imbued with modernised spirit, were presented in refreshing and innovative styles. Multi-ethnic flavours became even stronger and held their own pole position in the parade.

 

Chingay will continue to preserve the tradition of our Chinese New Year festivities. It will also continue to showcase the rich multi-cultural diversity of our society and offer the special and highly celebrated platform for our local community and local community arts groups to showcase their culture and art forms.

 

The participation of our international friends will continue to add to the exotic flavour and cultural richness of Chingay. The colourful floats will evoke many special feelings of our festive tradition and delight the hearts of many Singaporeans, young and old.