As we all know, there are several lists of the 7 world wonders. Singapore will be your 8th world wonder. Despite being a small island on the globe, Singapore has much to offer. Right here, you can experience festivals and events that blend the best of the East and West, topped off with our own Singaporean style, so start exploring this garden city and be sure to fall in love with the amazing -
8th world wonder.
The parade that touches your heart
One would think that perhaps with sources of information on the Chingay Parade of DreamS and my goggle box knowledge of the Parade, I would be able to complete a post featuring the Parade. Sadly, the television doesn’t get one very far with the true experience of Chingay.Thus, I’ve went on a journey of finding views and perspectives of the Chingay Parade to bring to you, with my personal thoughts and reflections as a Singaporean Chinese, what the Chingay Parade is all about, how it is able to bring across aspects of Chinese culture (and other cultures in Singapore) and why you should be here in Singapore to experience it for yourselves.
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Collage: Chingay Singapore
Source: SingaporeSights.com, Official Chingay 2009 Website
Chingay Parade of DreamS is a themed annual event in Singapore during the Chinese New Year period, where beautiful colours, sights and sounds reflecting Singapore’s cosmopolitan society come “alive”.
Interestingly, I found out that the Chingay Parade Singapore was originated from Penang with Chinese origins.
Interested to know more about the colourful history of Chingay? The Chingay 2007 website is just one click away.
What does the Chingay Parade mean to its participants?
Each year, participants from different social and arts groups in Singapore are each given a segment of the Chingay Parade, in which they wield their creativity and put in much sweat and toil to bring beautiful floats, dazzling costumes and impressive performances to audiences. This truly reflects the Chinese saying, 台上一分钟, 台下十年功 (literally, a minute of performance on stage requires ten years of hard work and preparation).
For youth participants, as quoted from a friend who is a backstage participant in the Chingay Parade 2009 helping out with the People's Association Youth Movement’s segment, the Parade is an important platform for them to showcase their talents and to forgo any stereotypes otherwise – that youths are active members of society and capable of accomplishing big things.
Wushu (Chinese Martial Arts) Performance at Chingay Parade of DreamS 2008, with youth participants
Source: SingaporeSights.com, KUEN Wushu Official Blog, Singapore-Wushu.com
A group of one-time participants found this year’s Chingay Parade (February 2008) a fond memory in a different way. Seven couples shared their wedding with the nation through the Chingay Love Boat float. Not your typical wedding scene but a truly romantic one in its own way, I’d say.
Source: Sizzling Chingay 2008 from Asiaone Travel.
Chingay Love Boat Float, Chingay Parade of DreamS 2008
Source: Desmond Wee / The Straits Times
Dressed up in Star Wars’ themed costumes and literally parading their interests at the Chingay Parade 2008, these Star Wars enthusiasts added to the quirky and light-hearted atmosphere of the parade and enjoyed themselves.
Source: Chingay 2008 - Star Wars & Me
What can the spectator expect from the Chingay Parade?
The Chingay Parade is a unique way to encounter the Chinese culture due to its inviting modern touch. Its spark lies in bringing together traditions such as the lion dance and traditional Chinese dances and adding a contemporary twist to it, resulting in the extraordinary. Spectators who have been to the Chingay parade all nod in agreement that it is simply entertaining and not even pictures can capture the sights, sounds and atmosphere at the parade itself.
After my research, am I convinced that I should watch the Chingay Parade 2009 "live"? My answer is a definite yes, because I want to be there to experience what I feel Chingay signifies: not only just a festivity and entertainment, but culture, arts and people. Come join me in experiencing the Chingay Parade of Dreams 2009: Project Wonderland, from the 30th to 31st January, to bring home your own significance and memories of this magical event and to experience the Chinese culture, the Singapore Chingay style.
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Ticketing Information:
All set to go but want to know where to get Parade tickets? I’d be buying my tickets online at SISTIC, but tickets are also available at selected Singapore Visitors’ Centres in Orchard Road and various SISTIC authorised agents islandwide. You can find the latter (SISTIC) at shopping malls such as Plaza Singapura and Bugis Junction - do confirm the availability of the service before heading down.
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Other Opinions/Links:
· Best Spot to Watch Chingay Parade: Click here
· Features of the Chingay Parade 2009 in an article: Click here
· Beautiful Pictures of Chingay 2006: Click here
· Beautiful Pictures of Chingay 2008: Click here
Thanks to:
· Yesterday.sg - History of Chingay
· Marina’s Bloggariffic - Chingay parade 2008 - A flashy event
Posted by Kai Xin at 8:00 pm |
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We are a team of students from Hospitality and Tourism Management in Temasek Polytechnic.
This blog is dedicated to everyone who wants to know more about Chinese Culture in Singapore. Join us on a colourful journey to explore the Chinese Events and Festivals in Singapore.
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Ang Shu Yi
Samantha Low
Tan Hui Ying
Teo Kai Xin
Yong Cai Ling
of 1H06
Uniquely Singapore
Singapore Tourism Board
Images
Sub-header, from left
- CNY - Image 1 © Yang Fei Photography
- CNY - Singaporeans' Favourite Fireworks © muzikbug / Flickr.com
- RAB - Image 1 from SingaporeSights.com
- RAB - Image 2 © sHOT-BY-Me / Singaporeshots.com
- Chingay Images © Official Chingay 2009 Website
- SDBF 2008 Image © Sports & Recreation Centre, NTU Singapore
- Rice Dumpling Image © masak-masak
- Mid-Autumn Images © Eugene Tang / SingaporeSights.com
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