A Brief History of Chingay Singapore
I thought it'd be strange to turn up for the massive Chingay 2008 Parade of Dreams and not know how it all came about. So I've put together a short History of Chingay.
Here goes...
- In 1880, a massive procession took place in Penang, Malaysia during the Chinese New Year season. Its purpose? To 'welcome the spring' even though this was obviously the Tropics.
- Huge flags were waved, to the clashing of cymbals and gongs. The performers made their way down the streets with much aplomb.
- The word Chingay came from a Hokkien phrase which means 'to paint the face and wear elaborate costumes'.
- The first Chingay performers danced, juggled and waved huge flags on shoulder-carried floats. They had their faces thickly painted and wore elaborate costumes. A tradition derived from ancient China.
- Over the years, the performing troupes competed against each other. Because of competition,
- the floats became more colourful and elaborate,
- donkeys were increasingly used to pull the floats,
- only the most beautiful girls were allowed to sit atop the floats.
- After WW2, the traditions spread south to Johore. It underwent some transformation - trucks were used to carry the floats; dragon and lion dances became more noisy yet; stiltwalkers began to entertain the crowds.
- Then in 1972, 2 persons died from faulty firecracker explosions in Singapore during Chinese New Year. Firecrackers were banned. With the noise so essential for Chinese New Year gone, there was a need to keep the festive atmosphere up the following year. Chingay Singapore was born. The history of Chingay was to change forever.
- Singapore's first Chingay in 1973 was an all-Chinese affair - lion/dragon dances, big-head dolls, martial arts demonstration, waving of huge flags, stiltwalkers.
- Chingay 1973 was a huge success. It was repeated every year after that. The other races in Singapore joined in.
- The Parade decentralised to the housing estates from 1974 to 1984.
- The Parade moved to Orchard Road in 1985 and has been held there until 2007.
- Chingay has become really big now - groups from every continent of the world have participated in this eagerly awaited Street Parade.
- 2008: Chingay 2008 moves to the City Hall - Marina Bay area, partly on feedback that more people want to pay for better views of the celebrations.
Chingay 2009 Vacation Planning:
Read [Tips for Tourists] [Chingay 2007 Photo Tour]
Book a Cheap Flight to Singapore
Book a Hotel Near Chingay 2009 Venue [Hotel Club] [Agoda]
Luxury:
Marina Mandarin, Mandarin Oriental, The Pan Pacific, Ritz Carlton Millenia, Conrad International Centennial,
Raffles Hotel, Raffles The Plaza, Swissotel The Stamford, The Fullerton Hotel.
Mid-range:
Peninsula Excelsior Hotel, Grand Plaza Park Hotel, Allson Hotel, Hotel Royal Queens, Carlton Hotel.
Affordable:
Victoria Hotel
Book Chingay 2009 Parade Tickets
