Chingay then and now

Chingay float from 1987.

Taking place annually during the second weekend of the Chinese New Year season, Singapore celebrates its 50th anniversary of Chingay this year. While the event has its roots in Chinese mythology, it has grown into a multi-ethnic event that incorporates traditional Malay and Indian performances.

A float accompanied by performers in the 2019 Chingay procession.

In an ode to how Singaporeans young and old find joy in this storied celebration, we speak to three people who have participated in Chingay across the years: 62-year-old stay-home grandmother Madam Teo; 21-year-old Nanyang Technological University (NTU) student Christine Tay and 13-year-old dancer Hannah Lim.

Chingay then and now

Madam Teo took part in the Chingay processions in 1976. “I joined in while waiting for my Secondary 4 results,” she chuckles. She heard about Chingay through a school announcement and learned that the People’s Association (PA) was looking for performers. This resulted in her joining the celebration as a pom-pom dancer alongside her friends.

Madam Teo recalls that, in the early days of Chingay, the procession took place along the roads and in HDB estates. She also shares that they would walk and dance at the same time. Touching on how Chingay in Singapore has changed throughout the years, she says the costumes back then were not as elaborate as the ones we have now. “We have LED lights on costumes now!” She says in awe.

Madam Teo performing for her first time in 1976 Chingay as a pom pom cheerleader.

Madam Teo performing in 2019.

She also noted that locations for Chingay have changed across the decades, as she started performing in local neighbourhoods while the procession moved to the Formula One (F1) pit in 2010. When asked about her preference, she smiles, “I like both. Each one brings forth a different feeling and a new experience.”

Christine, who has taken part in Chingay multiple times since 2013, also has some thoughts on how it has changed through the years. “I like how Chingay adapts and improves each year,” she remarks. “Last year, Chingay went ‘phygital.’ Performers took part in a dragon dance while a digital visual of a dragon played in the background, enhancing the performance. The more Chingay grows each year, the more people can enjoy it.”

A new generation

Hannah and Christine are some of the youths today who are creating fond memories over Chingay. This year’s iteration will take place at Changi Jewel Airport. It will mark Hannah’s Chingay debut while Christine volunteers behind the scenes.

Having watched Chingay on television every Chinese New Year, Hannah is very excited about performing this year after being scouted at her dance school.

So far, her favourite things about taking part include her rehearsals and learning more about behind-the-scenes work. “It’s both exciting and tiring,” she begins, “but the memories I make are worthwhile.”

“To me, Chingay is all about the experiences,” Hannah continues enthusiastically, “The rehearsals, props, and performers all bring out Singapore’s unique culture.” On this year’s procession, she shares, “I’m very honoured to be a part of this year’s celebrations and can’t wait to see everyone’s hard work pay off!”

Hannah during the filming taken before the live webcast to enhance the online audiences experience.

As for Christine, she’s worn different hats in the Chingay processions across the years. Christine started performing in 2013 alongside her mother. This was after they learnt that their Zumba instructor at their local Community Centre in Marsiling was participating in Chingay.

She also took part in the 2017 procession with dancers from her school and will be volunteering in this year’s celebrations. This year, Christine will be involved in ensuring that performers are well taken care of and that they move smoothly from their holding area in Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 to Changi Jewel Airport.

Christine on volunteering duty.

What keeps her coming back are the fulfilling opportunities to grow as a performer and volunteer, and also to spend time with her family. “When I performed in 2013, I was on the F1 Pit Building’s floating platform, which was a new experience for me,” Christine comments. As a volunteer, she’s keen on keeping everyone’s spirits up and encouraging performers to do their best. She’s also looking forward to bonding with her brother, a fellow volunteer.

Finding community in Chingay

Uniting Madam Teo, Hannah and Christine, is their passion for Chingay and how it offers them new and memorable experiences.

‘Jubilant Performers’ (2014) by Wong Chek Poh.

For Madam Teo, an unforgettable moment was when she got to perform in front of her neighbours in the HDB estate she lived and grew up in.

Something that Christine recalls fondly about past Chingay processions was the team spirit that volunteers and performers both shared. “Seeing everyone cheer each other on and push each other, even when they are tired, was very memorable,” says Christine.

For those who are keen to take part in Chingay but have yet to take their first steps, these three have some words of wisdom. Madam Teo believes that people should try their hand at joining Chingay, no matter their age. She shares that if people aren’t keen to perform, they can also volunteer or support simply by being a part of the audience.

Christine shares that Chingay offers new experiences for dancers and volunteers alike, and provides participants with the opportunity to make friends. Hannah hopes that people will be open-minded about participating, saying that “even though [performing] takes time and effort, the results and experiences are valuable.”

“There are also different cultural art forms in Chingay, so more people can also learn about Singapore’s different cultures and be proud of being Singaporean,” Hannah concludes with a smile.