Chingay Street festival held during Chinese New Year. The tradition of Chingay street processions began in the 19th century. A Chingay procession took place in Penang in the 1880s, and postcards depicting Singapore in the early years of the 20th century show scenes of Chingay processions. The meaning of the word ‘Chingay’ is unclear, but the word is probably a transliteration of a dialect phrase describing a stage borne on the shoulders of men.

The first ‘official’ Chingay procession was staged in Singapore in 1973 by the People’s Association as an attempt to add colour to Chinese New Year festivities after a ban on firecrackers was introduced. The procession was such a success that it became an annual event, touring various housing estates. Orchard Road has, however, remained the most popular venue. Although Chingay was originally started as a Chinese street procession and carnival, Malay and Indian cultural items were added in 1977 and, in 1987, foreign groups began to take part. In 1990, Chingay made its evening debut, complete with lighted floats. Today, the Chingay Parade is a multi- ethnic, cosmopolitan street festival.

Photo credit: Singapore Tourism Board