Chingay Past and Present, Part 3
| So in June 1972, the former Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, wrote to the former Deputy Chairman of the People's Association Mr Jek Yeun Thong. He felt that some other activities should make up for the absence of the traditional sound. He said there was a Chingay Procession in Penang organised by the Chinese Pugilistic Associations there. The former Prime Minister then proposed to get the pugilistic associations in Singapore to mount a really massive procession and display for Chinese New Year. | |
|
The People's Association and the Singapore National Pugilistic Federation came together to stage a grand street show to add to the gaiety and excitement of the Lunar season in 1973. Although not religious in nature, the first procession, consisting about 2,000 participants, was totally Chinese, with a potpourri of stilt-walkers, big-headed dolls, pugilistic groups and mini operas. There were also prancing lion and dragon dancers and flag bearers who showed off their prowess in balancing the gigantic and colourful triangular flags, reminiscent of the Penang Chingay. |
| So well received was the first parade in 1973 that it became an annual event. For over a decade, the procession toured different housing estates from 1974 to 1984. Since 1985, Orchard Road became a permanent venue, which garnered a wide following among tourists and Singaporeans. | |
| Parade procession spread to other parts of Asia . Unlike the Chingay of Penang, which is extinct, the name took root in Singapore . Chingay over the years has evolved and assimilated other racial elements, starting with a Malay wedding and kompang item and an Indian music item in 1976. Foreign participation started in 1987 when The Straits Times Press sponsored a float featuring four popular Japanese artistes. Today, these ethnic elements enhanced the Mardi Gras spirit and are permanent features of the parade. | |
| <1, 2, 3, 4, 5> | |
