Chingay 2016 Reflections

   The original purpose of the Chingay parade was to make up for the ban of firecrackers as a result of fire hazards as this ban was viewed unfavourably since firecrackers is the most important part of Chinese New Year and one of the highlights. Some people felt that the ban would result in a much dampened festival mood for the Chinese New Year period. Therefore, in order to bring back some cheer to the general public, a street parade was organised, featuring the signature floats, acrobatic acts, lion and dragon dances, stilt walkers, and the like. This year's theme is "Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore 智 慧 灯 海, 璀 璨 新 加 坡”.The theme is displayed by 'LED lights' costume performers, 'LED lights' floats, dragons and birds.

   The purpose for the Chingay Parade 2016 is for us to remember the core values that have lead us to what we are today and be grateful of our past, also encouraging Singaporeans to adopt a can-do spirit and to brace ourselves and be ready for the future which would sure post many challenges along the way. The parade marks the beginning of the first year of SG100. The parade also encourages people of all ages from different races and even countries, to volunteer to participate and perform. The theme was due to inspiration was drawn from the legacy of our Founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew and the values embodied by our Pioneers. It is a place where Singaporeans from diverse backgrounds will come together to celebrate core values important to Singapore. Core values such as Racial and Religious Harmony, Caring for one another, Resilience and Meritocracy, which meant that every Singaporean regardless of race or religion could take his rightful place in the Singapore story, as we take the first step towards SG100. These are the values that made us One People, One Singapore. I think the change of purpose have happened as more and more people from other religions and even countries are volunteering to participate and perform in this parade, and the need to remind ourselves to prepare for the upcoming 50 years by the floats that said "Voyage SG 100" and "Towards SG 100"

   During the Chingay, there were many performances by many different races and culture. One of the few highlights include bungee jumping, the hula-hoop dance and the drum performance. All were done in mid-air, I admire them as performing in mid-air is no mean feat. It requires certain skills and quite a lot of energy and courage. If it was me, I would not be able to do so as I am afraid of heights and do not have enough skill. Another one of the highlights were the many different floats, they were all colourful and meaningful. The floats are the ones that bring the messages across to the audience, it is short but meaningful and would not bore the people out. The designs were also very nice and creative, which would capture people's attention. It caught my attention most as it is very big, nice and with creative designs, I could understand the messages perfectly. I also admire the volunteers, both performers and participants, to bring about such a spectacular and magnificent performance, they must have put in a lot of effort, time and hard work. They must have attended many practices too. Unlike us who attended much lesser practises for RV60, they spent way more time. I admire their dedication too, volunteering for the parade while balancing it with their other works too. If it was me, I would not be able to do so as I take a lot of time to do my homework and would not have much spare time left. I can understand their dedication as this is a very important event and it is for the country which we call home.

   For the first time in Chingay’s history, the lnter-Religious Organisation (IRO) will collaborate with 30 religious groups to present an item at Chingay 2016. Called “Because We Are Different, We Are One”, this segment takes on a special meaning as  the racial and religious harmony we enjoy today was forged through trials of fire. It is something we  never take for granted. PA is therefore very happy to partner the IRO and our friends in the religious groups to reinforce this important message of mutual respect and universal brotherhood.

Chingay 2016 represents the first step towards SG100, as we celebrate the Singapore Spirit and our shared values that have transformed us from a fishing village into a modern metropolis.  We celebrate these values that have brought us this far, and will take us into the future with confidence. I think that the organizers have successfully fulfilled this purpose.