Singapore’s Chingay Parade has humble roots as a neighborhood parade with dominant Chinese elements. Years later it has grown into a full-blown, massive scale parade that Singaporeans all over celebrate every year. In 2013, the first day of the parade will fall on February 22. Festivities will begin at the F1 Pit Building near the Singapore Flyer.
The origins of Chingay
The name “chingay” comes from the Hokkien dialect, but its Mandarin equivalent is “zhuang yi”. It means “the art of masquerade”, which has become a fitting monicker for what is now Singapore’s grandest street and float parade. The changes it has undergone over the years is a wonderful representation of the rich multi-cultural population of Singapore.
Each year, the Chingay Parade has themes that it follows and plays upon on. In 2013, the theme is called “Fire and Snow“. The contrasting elements provide an interesting backdrop to the underlying themes that it carries. The theme “Fire and Snow” celebrates the “strength of the human spirit in the face of life’s challenges.”
Themes and Representations
There’s a story here somewhere. In the theme, fire represents the strong emotions that we humans carry. It means power and passion. The dynamism and the courage of the people. In contrast, snow represents the struggles and hardships that we go through every day. But with the characteristics of fire, and with it as our hope, we are able to get past these challenges and become stronger.
Parade Proper
As with the previous years, the Chingay Parade opens with much fanfare. The details on the parade have been release on the official website. On the night of February 22, more than three thousand participants will light fire pots that line the length of the parade route. It creates a majestic line of fire that lights up the path. Afterwards, hundreds of tai chi sword performers will come out and perform as the “Song of Righteousness” plays.
The audience will be captivated with a stellar excerpt from the world-famous Broadway show, “Phantom of the Opera”. Afterwards, a show that ties in perfectly with the Chinese New Year celebrations will delight the crowd. It is a Chinese belief that bright lights and loud sounds drive away evil, so the fireworks and pyrotechnic shows fit in very well. The community is also important here, as volunteers from different interest groups show the world their talents and skills.
Finally, the ceremony comes to a close as volunteers come in to relight the fire pots. In the middle of this are three floats that represent various elements of Chingay. A Lion float to represent courage, a condor float to stand for resilience, and a float of the God of Fire representing humanity’s Light of Hope.
Community Involvement
The Chingay committee is also making a call for Singaporeans to donate used woks and pots for the fulfillment of the “Parade of a Thousand Fires” that will be lit during the entire parade. Thirty community clubs are marked as the drop off points. The committee hopes to honor those who show great resilience despite the numerous challenges that the face.
A call for volunteers has also been sent out, and people are encouraged to sign up. Full commitment is required.
I am impressed by the preparations and effort being given to this long running celebrations. It may have started out small, but it has grown by leaps and bounds. Truly, it embodies the strong and resilient spirits of the Singaporeans.
Here’re the official Chingay Parada 2013 Videos:
