Chingay Parade 2010 @ F1 Pit Building

There is no historical record of how the word “Chingay” originated. But records show that as early as the 19 th century, Chingay appeared in South East Asia, beginning in Penang . The word was coined from its phonetic Hokkien equivalent, which means “the art of costume and masquerade”. It alluded to a Chinese styled decorated miniature stage or float borne on the shoulders of performers. This miniature stage depicts an important historical scene. It was probably the beginning of the manual float. During New Year processions in old China , such floats were carried through the streets on men's shoulders while dancers, jugglers and magicians entertained the crowds. Huge animals, both real and mythical took part in the processions, which were essentially religious in nature and aimed at honouring deities at the beginning of each new year.

The evolution of Chingay is synonymous with the growth of Singapore . As Singapore learns to remake itself in the new millennium, greater self-expression in social and cultural creativity and innovation are encouraged. It is timely for Chingay to remake itself to reflect our cosmopolitan Singapore society and to have a wider appeal of our new generation of Singaporeans.



Buy your tickets from 1st August 2009 through SISTIC website, SISTIC Hotline @ 63485555, SISTIC Authorized Agents islandwide and Singapore Pools Outlets (Category 2 tickets only on 20 February 2010). For thoes who drive, check out the Road Closure arrangement too.