Missed Chingay 2022? Watch the revised telecast on Channel 5 and Channel 8, 27 February 2022 at 7pm, and Sunday 6 March 2022 at 1pm! ?
There are many misconceptions when it comes to Chingay, especially since it is usually held during Chinese New Year. Many believe the parade is a Chinese-only event, or it has religious connotations. If you’ve always been curious about the event, we’re here to tell you that what you believe about Chingay may not be true!
P.S. Chingay50 is happening on 12 February at 8pm this year and you have to watch it live on their Facebook, TikTok or Website. You can also host a watch party and stand a chance to win $7500 worth of vouchers! Plus, $10,000 worth of vouchers will be pledged for the underprivileged families, if at least 20,000 viewers are watching the show. You can also support them by buying from Chingay's local Mama shop, a one-stop online collection of local designers or merchants and social enterprises on Lazada! Find out more about this amazing cause here!
Misconceptions About Chingay In Singapore
An Event For Chinese / ‘Chinese Gods’?
Here’s where some (especially our elders!) might have gotten the idea that Chingay is a Chinese event: Chingay originated in China and was brought to Penang, and then Singapore, by 19th-Century Chinese immigrants! According to our National Library, it was initially a festivity in honour of a deity - so those who knew about Chingay’s roots might think that modern-day Chingay is a similar celebration… But that’s not true!
Chingay has since become a multi-cultural event from 1976 when it featured 28 performing items such as a Malay wedding contingent and an Indian music presentation by Muruthaia Rajendrou Party.
This year’s Chingay even has individuals from the different embassies in Singapore performing and representing their countries ? A festival to rejoice Singapore’s melting pot of diversity, this event is no longer a religious or Chinese event. In fact, it’s anything but!
Just Another National Day Parade (NDP)?
When you think about Chingay, floats probably come to mind! Known for its gorgeous, large floats with beautiful embellishments and light displays, these floats are often accompanied by entire contingents of performers in unique costumes. Each contingent tells a different story, celebrating each culture differently. In this way, Chingay is more than just a celebration of our country, it’s a festival that showcases every culture in Singapore and its unique talents!
Perhaps the most iconic of Chingay floats, in our opinion, is the giant Japanese Red Snapper float from the 1992 parade which was carried by 45 men down Orchard Road. ?
So while NDP commemorates Singapore’s independence, Chingay honours and celebrates the many different people that live on our tiny island ?
P.S. If you love watching the festive lights that go up in December, Chingay’s floats and costumes will definitely be a treat for your eyes! Although the floats are unfortunately missed this year, the #HeyChingay50Bus will excite you. There are 20 buses around Singapore fully wrapped with 14 different Chingay themed designs inside and outside of the bus.
If you spot a #HeyChingay50Bus, snap a picture of it and post on your Facebook/Instagram public post/account and hashtag #OurChingay50 #ChingaySG2022 #HeyChingay50Bus and you stand to win attractive prizes! Find out more here!
Still not convinced Chingay is all about diversity? You might believe them: we talked to Seri (Dancer) and Feroze (Choreographer), for Chingay50© Eurasian item and apparently, they’re absolutely loving the event ? Check it out in our TikTok here as they cover misconceptions about Chingay!
Now that you know Chingay’s all about you, your culture and more, why not check out Chingay50©? ? It’s happening on the 12 February 2022 at 8 pm! Watch it live on their Facebook, TikTok or Website. ?
If you missed it on 12 February, catch the revised telecast on Channel 5 and Channel 8, 27 February 2022 at 7pm, and Sunday 6 March 2022 at 1pm!
This article is brought to you by the People's Association.