Tradition Marches On in Singapore's Chingay Parade

Just returned after watching Singapore's Chingay Parade. Originally started in 1973 in Singapore as an annual Chinese festival marking the Chinese New Year celebrations, it has now become a multicultural event with Malay and Indian performances alongside the Chinese festivities. Every year it seems to become more grand and more colourful. Reflecting harmonious unity in diversity, these street dances are from Malay, Indian and Chinese cultural institutions and schools together with glittering lights and spectacular floats in this night-time parade. There were floats from other countries too adding an international flavour to this event.

Although you now don't hear the fire crackers that was reminiscent of the early festivals which originated from Penang in Malyasia and then came over to Singapore, you do have some amazing performances among the beat of drums and cymbols, colourful costumes and dragon dancers still reflecting its originality. The balancing act on a 30-foot pole swinging from side to side was the best performance that I witnessed as I walked along the Orchard lined which was lined with curious onlookers, tourists and enthusiastic children singing and clapping to the beat of the drums and to the steps of the cheerleaders. At its finale it became a cracking street party and onlookers were were urged to join and participate in the fun.

This is a refreshing experience depicting the cultural diversity that exist in a society that has achieved excellence in national progress and social development from very humble beginnings just over three decades ago. As you see the dragon dance snake through amid the towering buildings welcoming the year of the dog, even the cannines are happy and smiling from cheek-to-cheek confirming that this country has done exceptionally well.