Chingay Parade 2016 - Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore

Bright lights, dancing dragons and lions, dancers, singers, many volunteers and students from other schools were there at the Chingay Parade to watch and soak in the festive spirit. 

Have you ever watched the Chingay Parade life? If you have not, you are missing out a lot. This was my first time watching it live, instead of lounging on a couch watching it from the television. It was a really different atmosphere and you can feel the energy and excitement radiating in the air. 

In my opinion, the purpose of Chingay 2016 was what the theme had suggested, “Lights of legacy, Brighter Singapore”. It aims to let everyone get an insight of what is to come in the next fifty years, what should they expect or look out for. Also, what Singapore is striving for and what everyone can do to play his or her part in improving Singapore for a better future. 

Yet, this was not the original purpose of the creation of Chingay Parade. I did some research and found out that the first formal Chingay Parade in Singapore was mooted by the then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew who was also the chairman of the People's Association (PA). Chingay, with all its noise and gaiety, would compensate for the ban on firecrackers, a customary New Year practice to drive away evil spirits. 

This shows that the purpose of this parade has changed drastically. I think that the change was considered necessary. After giving much thought, I found out that since our priorities has changed and achieving to be a better country is one of our priorities. Hence, what better way is there than to set a good theme with performances showing what we aim to achieve. 

With only 50 years of history since our independence, we have come far to be recognized globally and have successfully overcome many challenges such as the Maria Hertogh riot which sparked a religious riot between the Malays and Catholics. We have learnt to become a vibrant and multi-racial society and country which practices acceptance of others regardless of race, language or religion. 

I felt that the organizers have achieved this purpose of letting all Singaporeans and audience get an idea of what Singapore is striving towards. 

Chingay is a National Event and is also the largest street performance and float parade in Asia. From the main parade site to the heartlands, this street extravaganza epitomises the dynamism of Singapore's vibrant and multicultural society.

                                                                                           Gwyneth Tan Yeh Xuan 2A (8)