Catch Chingay at Bukit Panjang Town

Did you know the word "Chingay" is derived from a Hokkien phrase and it means the art of masquerade. It was first held in 1973 as a neighbourhood procession and now the Chingay Parade has evolved to one that showcases the vibrant culture of Singapore through the many colourful floats. 

Found out about this event through the monthly issue of the North West Cohesion newsletter.

Although I miss out on the real Chingay parade at the Pit Building, I'm glad I still have a chance to experience the Chingay parade at the heartland of Bukit Panjang Town. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this annual fiesta.  

The floats were all stationed along the carpark of Pending Road and there's some performances going on at the open field in front of Blk 229. This was the first float that we saw.

There was a much bigger crowd standing in front of this second float which consist of the Chinese, Malay and Indian participants wearing their traditional costumes. I call this the multi-racial float. This float was able to attract such a big crowd in front because of the Fu Lu Shou 福禄寿。Each time the god of prosperity or Cai Shen 财神 shouted "HUAT AH" he would threw some "gold coins" or should I say chocolate wrapped in golden wrapper in the form of a coin to the crowds. That's why everyone stood there waiting for a chance to get a piece of the "gold coin." If there's an award for it, this float would definitely win the best interactive with public award!

The three floats from New Creation Church, Majlis Pusat and CDC respectively that transform into such magnificent floats with performances later during the night. 

Saw someone we knew and this is his boy. So cute but a bit shy. Hehe. 

Mum and I. She say she love this float from CDC the most so we took a photo with it together.

NUS Float. Pretty butterfly. 

The swan float!!!

The girls with showing off their sweetest smile as people like us are snapping photos of them. Keep that smile on, girls.

And finally the Dragon float with Singapore's iconic place of interest - Singapore Flyer. 

 

The dragon and lion dance before ushering the Guest-of-Honor and VIPs.

    The Hosts . . . 

 The brilliant perfomers from China . . . 

This two pretty ladies amazed us with a performance of changing clothes in the speed of lightning. Really impressive. Pull up the cover, shake shake a bit and after pulling down the cover, the whole outfit was changed. I wonder how they did it. This remains a mystery. 

 Another group of performers . . .

They sang a few songs and one which I've heard before is Di Tanjong Katong.

 And the VIPs ! ! ! 

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Dr Teo Ho Pin and Mr Liang Eng Hwa. In the background is the electrical fireworks that will be lighted up later. 

And the VIPs were ushered to the float. Managed to shook hand with Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Mr Yam Ah Mee. And the Chingay parade began after the VIPs were safely ushered to the top of the Dragon float. As the floats drove pass us, everyone was taking photos with camera of handphone of the beautiful floats. It's a different feeling seeing the floats lighted up during the night time as compared to seeing them in the day.

Really enjoyed watching the Chingay parade live at the scene! Some people felt that it's a waste of money to create such a big event. I felt that it's a yearly event that cannot be missed. It's like a arts and culture thing. It allows me to take so many wonderful photos, it gives the residents at Bukit Panjang a chance to come down, stroll along the road with the floats and get excited. Chingay originated from Penang, Malaysia, and currently I think only Singapore and Malaysia has the Chingay parade. I hope more people will appreciate. 

Took the LRT back to Bukit Panjang Plaza for late dinner. 

My late dinner - Green noodle.