Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Chingay parade

The Chingay Parade is an annual street parade held in and during the celebrations, that originated from traditional Chinese processions known as zhuangyi or tai ge and has evolved into a vibrant, multicultural spectacle featuring elaborate floats, dynamic performances, and international acts to showcase the diverse ethnic heritage of the regions. The modern iteration of the parade began on 4 February 1973, when the organized the first event with approximately 2,000 participants along a route in Jalan Besar, primarily to replace banned firecrackers during festivities and to foster racial harmony among communities. Initially rooted in Chinese traditions brought by 19th-century migrants from southern , where it involved religious processions honoring Taoist deities, the parade quickly expanded beyond its ethnic origins. By 1977, Chingay had become a national event under the , incorporating participants from various ethnic groups and transforming into a symbol of , with themes that blend tradition, innovation, and social messages. Key elements include intricately designed floats crafted by community artists—such as the 17 community floats featured in 2024—alongside lion and dragon dances, , stilt-walking, and performances by international troupes from countries like and . The event has grown significantly, attracting tens of thousands of attendees annually and earning recognition as one of Asia's largest street parades. Over the decades, the parade's route has shifted from Jalan Besar to prominent locations like the Formula 1 Pit Building, and it has adapted to contemporary challenges, including a fully digital edition in 2021 due to the that featured public-submitted videos and shows. participation began in , further globalizing the event, while recent editions, such as the one held on 7–8 2025, continued to emphasize themes of and cultural exchange with advanced lighting, projections, and diverse acts. In 2025, and jointly nominated the Chingay Parade for UNESCO's Representative List of the of Humanity. Today, Chingay remains a cherished , organized by the in collaboration with community groups, promoting social cohesion and preserving .

Origins

Etymology

The term "Chingay" originates from the dialect spoken by southern Chinese communities, particularly in province and among overseas groups. It is a phonetic rendering of the Hokkien phrase "chng-gē," which combines "chng" (derived from the "zhuāng," meaning to decorate or embellish) and "gē" (from "yì," meaning art). This reflects the parade's emphasis on ornate displays and performances. In usage, "Chingay" translates to the "art of costume and attire," highlighting the elaborate masquerades, floral decorations, and stilt-walking that characterize the procession. Some interpretations also link it to "chin-gē" (from "zhēn yì," meaning "true art"), underscoring the authentic craftsmanship in these cultural displays. This dual connotation has been documented in Hokkien-speaking regions since at least the . The word connects to the broader Chinese concept of "zhuāngyì" (妆艺), which denotes the artistic tradition of adornment and costuming in festive processions, a practice rooted in southern dialects like Hokkien. Historical records from missionary accounts in Amoy (modern Xiamen) confirm "tsng gē" or "chingay" as referring to such embellished communal rituals among Hokkien communities. This linguistic heritage underscores the parade's focus on visual splendor as a form of cultural expression.

Historical roots in China

The origins of Chingay-like processions can be traced to traditional practices in southern , particularly in province, where they formed part of folk religious festivals blending Taoist, Buddhist, and local customs to honor deities such as the Goddess of Mercy (). These rituals invoked blessings for prosperity and protection through communal expressions of devotion, featuring costumed performers and symbolic displays that reinforced social and spiritual bonds. By the early 19th century, these traditions had evolved significantly in southern , particularly in province, where they became prominent during celebrations and religious birthdays of deities. In regions like and , known for their vibrant , processions known as tai ge (抬阁) involved children and performers dressed in ornate costumes, carried aloft on decorated platforms or poles to depict mythological scenes and historical tales. These events incorporated floats adorned with intricate carvings, stilt-walkers navigating crowds with acrobatic flair, and lantern processions that illuminated the night, creating a festive atmosphere accompanied by gongs, drums, and cymbals. Such celebrations not only entertained but also strengthened community ties through shared participation in honoring local patrons like or Tua Pek Kong, often syncretized with worship. Central to these rituals was the role of carrying temple deities in ornate palanquins, a practice deeply embedded in Fujian's communal life. In Zhangzhou and Quanzhou, villagers and temple associations would transport sacred images—such as statues of Guanyin—through winding streets in elaborately decorated sedan chairs, symbolizing the deity's journey among the people to dispel misfortune and ensure harmony. These processions, often culminating at temples with offerings and communal feasts, underscored the folk religious emphasis on balance between heaven and earth, fostering unity and cultural continuity in agrarian societies. Historical accounts from the Qing era highlight how such events drew entire towns, blending reverence with spectacle to mark pivotal calendar moments.

Chingay in Malaysia

In Penang

The Chingay parade in Penang was introduced by 19th-century immigrants from province, primarily the community, who brought the tradition as part of religious festivities honoring deities. The first officially recorded event occurred in 1919, organized by market traders and clan associations to celebrate the birthday of the Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin), featuring a grand through George Town's streets. This marked the beginning of a longstanding local adaptation of the ritual, emphasizing devotion and communal harmony within Penang's diaspora. Originally rooted in Taoist and Buddhist rituals during the Chinese New Year period, including the 21st day of the first lunar month, the Penang Chingay parade evolved in the 1970s to become an annual late December event as part of broader heritage celebrations, blending spiritual reverence with artistic displays that reflect Penang's multicultural heritage. The modern procession features temple-based elements with vibrant dragon and lion dances, stilt walkers, and elaborately decorated floral floats, with participants from various Chinese dialect groups parading through key areas like George Town to invoke blessings and foster unity. The event draws thousands. A distinctive feature is the "Chingay pole" or flag-balancing act, where performers skillfully balance towering poles—up to 20 feet high—adorned with large triangular flags on their heads, shoulders, or teeth, often while walking or climbing ladders during the procession. This acrobatic tradition, originating from Hokkien street arts, symbolizes strength and precision, captivating audiences and requiring years of training. Community involvement is pivotal, coordinated by organizations such as the Penang Chingay Association and clan groups including the Penang Teochew Association, which contribute performers, floats, and logistical support to ensure the event's continuity. The 2025 Penang Chingay parade, scheduled for December 20 from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM starting at Padang Brown and ending at Padang Kota Lama, underscores ongoing cultural convergence through its theme of , aligning with broader efforts to nominate Chingay for recognition. Over 40 teams are expected to participate, showcasing evolved performances that blend tradition with contemporary elements while preserving the parade's devotional core. This iteration highlights how the event continues to unite diverse communities in , adapting to modern contexts without diluting its historical essence.

In Johor

The Chingay parade in traces its origins to the 1870s, coinciding with the founding of the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple by Tan Hiok Nee, a prominent leader among early Chinese immigrants in the region. Established in 1870 as a place of worship for five major Chinese dialect groups—, , , Hakka, and —the temple became the focal point for communal rituals that evolved into the parade. This event has been celebrated annually for over 150 years, reflecting the enduring traditions brought by Chinese migrants from southern . The parade unfolds as a multi-day , typically spanning the 19th to 22nd day of the first lunar month, marking the latter part of celebrations. A central highlight is the "Parade of Deities" (游神), where multiple gods from the temple—such as the and other heavenly figures—are carried in ornate palanquins through the streets, accompanied by vibrant processions. The spectacle includes dynamic and dances, acrobatic displays, and explosive , creating a sensory-rich display of devotion and festivity. Organized by committees from the Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, the parade has grown from modest immigrant rituals into a major cultural phenomenon, drawing participation from diverse community members across the dialect groups. Its scale necessitates extensive traffic management, with phased road closures along a 7.8-kilometer route through the city center to accommodate the procession of over 85 floats and thousands of performers. In 2025, approximately 500,000 attendees gathered, underscoring its role as a unifying urban event that blends religious reverence with communal joy.

Chingay in Singapore

Establishment and early years

The Chingay Parade in was established as a response to the nationwide on fireworks and firecrackers implemented in , following several fire incidents that posed significant safety risks during celebrations. The , enacted by the government under Prime Minister , eliminated a traditional element of warding off evil spirits, prompting the need for an alternative festive spectacle to maintain community vibrancy. On February 4, 1973, the inaugural parade was organized jointly by the (PA), a statutory board promoting community activities, and the Singapore National Pugilistic Federation, drawing on traditions to create a that compensated for the lost fireworks display. This event marked the modern inception of Chingay in , transforming a localized term for "art of costume" into a structured . The first Chingay Parade focused on festivities, featuring approximately 2,000 performers who showcased simple floats, and dances, demonstrations, and traditional stilt walkers along an eight-kilometer route starting from Tyrwhitt Road near Jalan Besar, proceeding through North Bridge Road, and ending at Outram Park. Highlights included South and North China troupes, acts, and "big head" doll performers, all aimed at instilling joy and in a young nation still building its post-independence identity after 1965. Thousands of spectators lined the streets, reflecting the parade's immediate appeal as a family-oriented event that fostered social cohesion without the dangers of . Held in the Year of the Ox, the procession emphasized cultural pride and community engagement, setting a foundation for annual celebrations. During the 1970s and 1980s, the Chingay Parade grew in scale and scope, solidifying its status as an annual highlight of the lunar calendar while incorporating early international elements to enhance its appeal. Performer numbers increased steadily, with the event evolving from a primarily Chinese-centric procession to one that began highlighting Singapore's multicultural fabric through diverse acts. Guest performances from Malaysia, including traditional dance troupes, and cultural exchanges with China, such as lion dance teams, added cross-border flair starting in the late 1970s, helping to establish Chingay as a symbol of regional harmony and festive innovation. By the mid-1980s, the parade had attracted larger crowds and more elaborate displays, transitioning its route to include Orchard Road in 1985, which further boosted its prominence as a national event.

Evolution and modern celebrations

In the 1980s, the Chingay Parade in underwent a significant transformation, expanding beyond its initial Chinese-centric focus to incorporate performances from , , and Eurasian communities, thereby reflecting the nation's multicultural fabric. This shift began in earnest in 1977 with the inclusion of and groups, evolving into a broader celebration by the decade's end that featured diverse acts such as and alongside traditional Chinese elements. To enhance resilience against Singapore's unpredictable weather, the parade relocated to the indoor F1 Pit Building venue starting in 2010, allowing for consistent large-scale productions regardless of rain. This move supported the event's growth into a more elaborate spectacle, with key modern features including intricately designed LED-lit floats that illuminate themes of and , often inspired by local and . International collaborations have further enriched the , such as partnerships with Taiwanese performers who joined in 2021 to showcase synchronized dances and lantern displays, alongside groups from , , and other nations. The 2025 edition exemplified these developments, themed "JOY" to celebrate shared experiences across ethnic lines, held on 7 and 8 February at the F1 Pit Building in conjunction with Singapore's SG60 independence anniversary. It featured a record 23 food-inspired floats, over 4,000 performers, and innovative elements like a 12-meter district-level float, emphasizing communal harmony through vibrant visuals and music. Organized by the People's Association (PA), the parade relies on corporate sponsorships from entities like Toteboard and DBS Bank to fund its operations and community outreach. These partnerships enable free heartland previews and attract around 30,000-40,000 attendees to the main event over two nights annually, with heartland activities engaging wider audiences. In 2025, public engagement was heightened through digital voting for favorite mural designs and installations, allowing residents to influence artistic elements and reinforcing the event's inclusive ethos.

Cultural significance

Religious and traditional elements

The Chingay parade is deeply rooted in , where deity processions form the central ritualistic core, involving the ceremonial carrying of statues of gods and goddesses such as , the Goddess of Mercy, and Tua Pek Kong, the God of Prosperity, on ornate palanquins or platforms known as taige. These processions, originating from 19th-century Chinese immigrant communities in , serve to honor the deities and seek blessings for prosperity and protection, with participants offering incense and prayers along the route to invoke divine favor. In , the parade specifically worships five major deities representing Hainanese, , Hakka, , and communities, parading them en masse from temples through streets to distribute communal good fortune. Auspicious symbols play a vital role in these rituals, symbolizing harmony, power, and abundance; dragons and lions, performed through dynamic dances, represent imperial strength and warding off evil, while floral arrangements on floats and giant lanterns evoke and for the coming year. Traditional performances enhance the atmosphere, including stilt-walking by performers elevated on wooden poles to mimic divine elevation, flag-balancing acts with massive bamboo poles bearing colorful banners ranging from 7.6 to 9.8 meters tall and weighing about 60 pounds (27 kg), and communal offerings burned at key points to purify the path and attract blessings. These elements underscore the parade's ties to Chinese folk beliefs in balancing through vibrant, communal displays. The timing of Chingay processions is intrinsically linked to the , aligning with significant religious events such as deity birthdays—for instance, Guanyin's on the 19th day of the second or the 21st day of the first month in for the Goddess of Mercy and other gods—or festivals like Chap Goh Meh on the 15th day of the first month in , ensuring rituals coincide with cosmic cycles for maximum efficacy. Variations occur regionally, with Kedah's event on the 9th day of the ninth honoring local deities. Preservation of these traditions relies on dedicated community guilds and associations, which maintain artisanal skills essential to the rituals, such as intricate construction adorned with symbolic motifs and the of performers in stilt-walking and flag-balancing. In , temple-based committees like the Penang Chingay Liaison Committee, established in 1960, oversee ritual preparations and ensure authentic deity processions tied to and temple practices, emphasizing spiritual devotion over spectacle. In contrast, Singapore's efforts focus more on performative arts, with guilds adapting traditional elements like lion dances and incense rituals into structured community programs to sustain cultural continuity amid urban changes.

Multicultural impact and global recognition

The Chingay parade has transformed into a powerful symbol of harmony in multi-ethnic societies, particularly in , where it evolved from a primarily celebration to incorporate performances and floats representing , , and other communities, thereby promoting national unity among diverse ethnic groups. In , especially in and , the parade bridges Chinese and communities by integrating multicultural elements, such as joint processions and shared rituals, evolving from exclusive Chinese devotional practices to inclusive events that embody social cohesion and national values across racial lines. This shift underscores Chingay's role in fostering inter-ethnic dialogue and cultural integration in both nations. On the global stage, Chingay has gained recognition through international collaborations and performances, welcoming thousands of overseas artists from countries like , , and , which highlight its appeal as a platform for cross-cultural exchange. A significant milestone is the joint nomination by and in March 2025 to inscribe "Chingay: a street parade that showcases , traditions, and artistic displays of communities" on UNESCO's Representative List of the of Humanity, with the decision anticipated by the end of 2026. This effort emphasizes Chingay's contribution to preserving shared Asian heritage amid globalization. Chingay's impact extends to educational initiatives and , with programs like Singapore's Chingay National Education Assembly reaching primary and secondary schools to teach about its multicultural significance, alongside community workshops and digital activities such as float design competitions that engage youth in cultural preservation. In , the 2025 parade drew an estimated 500,000 participants and spectators, boosting local and economic activity through increased visitor spending. Extensive coverage, including international reports on its vibrant displays, has further promoted Asian cultural exchange, amplifying Chingay's visibility as a model of harmonious .

References

  1. [1]
    Chingay - Roots.sg
    Today, Chingay is commemorated through an elaborate parade cherished by Singaporeans across ethnic communities. The parade is renowned for its dazzling display ...
  2. [2]
    The First Chingay Street Parade, 1973
    Feb 20, 2015 · The People's Association (PA) staged the first formally organised Chingay Parade on 4 February 1973. It was done at the time to add more colour to the Lunar ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  3. [3]
    Chingay in the 19th and 20th Centuries: A Community Procession in ...
    The Chingay Parade held annually in Singapore during the Lunar New Year has its roots in the tai ge from China.
  4. [4]
    The Chingay Timeline
    1973 - First Chingay Parade. first chingay parade, PA teamed up with Singapore National Pugilistic Federation to present the First Chingay Parade.
  5. [5]
    The Festival of Multiculturalism and Tradition, 'Chingay Parade' | News
    Feb 26, 2025 · One of Asia's largest street festivals, the Chingay Parade, took place on February 7–8, 2025. The festival celebrates the multiculturalism ...
  6. [6]
    The Chingay Story
    The Chingay Parade started in 1973 as a street parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Since then, it has evolved into an annual iconic event.
  7. [7]
    chingay - Arts and Culture Information - JKKN
    The term “Chingay” originates from the local Hokkien dialect and holds two main interpretations: "chin-gē" (真藝), meaning “true art,” and "chng-gē" (妝藝), ...Missing: etymology origin
  8. [8]
    The History of the Chingay Parade in Singapore: Then and Now
    Feb 13, 2024 · Origins and Evolution ... The origins of the Chingay Parade trace back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) in China, where it initially began as a ...Chingay Parade 2024 Date And... · History Of Chingay Parade In... · Chingay Parade And...
  9. [9]
    Chingay Bliss in Georgetown's Embrace | Trip.com George Town
    Oct 2, 2023 · Remarks: The parade is known as "Chingay" in English, derived from the Fujian dialect spoken by many Chinese in Penang. "True art" signifies ...
  10. [10]
    Chingay comes to town in all its splendour - The Star
    Dec 24, 2023 · It was reported that the Chinese in Penang first performed Chingay in 1919 in celebration of the birthday of the Goddess of Mercy organised ...
  11. [11]
    Chingay: A look at its origins and evolution from religious ritual to ...
    Apr 6, 2025 · However, some believe the word could be derived from the Hokkien phrase 'chin yi' or the Mandarin 'zhēn yì', meaning 'true art'. Lai said the ...
  12. [12]
    Chingay parade lifts cultural heritage with pride | The Star
    Dec 29, 2024 · Other performances included the traditional giant flagpole balancing ... Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and ...
  13. [13]
    Joint nomination of Chingay onto the UNESCO representative list of ...
    Nov 5, 2024 · Malaysia and Singapore will be jointly nominating “Chingay: a street parade that showcases multiculturalism, traditions, and artistic displays of communities”, ...
  14. [14]
    Event Date: 20 Dec 2025 - Penang Global Tourism
    Penang Chingay Parade 2025 on 20 December 2025. Address: Parade from Padang Brown to Padang Kota Lama. 1 | 2.
  15. [15]
    This year's Penang Chingay Parade 2025 will take place ... - Facebook
    Oct 31, 2025 · This year's Penang Chingay Parade 2025 will take place on 20 December 2025 (Saturday), from 6.00 PM to 11.00 PM, starting from Padang Brown.
  16. [16]
    Old Chinese Temple - Tourism Johor
    The temple's history began in the 1870s-1880s, built by Tan Hiok Nee, renovated in 1995, and is a symbol of unity. Address: Lot 653, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor ...
  17. [17]
    Johor Bahru Heritage Inventory | PAM e-Resources
    Johor Ancient Temple. 1870. The Johor Chinese Ancient Temple was built in 1870 by the Johor Bharu's Chinese society led by Tan Hiok. This temple was the ...
  18. [18]
    Johor Old Chinese Temple - GoWhere Malaysia
    The temple is a place of worship and a symbol of unity among Five Chinese Dialect Groups which are “Teochew”, “Hoklo (Hokkien)”, “Cantonese”, “Hakka” and “ ...
  19. [19]
    Tunku Idris opens JB Chingay parade, celebrating over 150 years of ...
    Feb 19, 2025 · The procession will feature over 85 decorated floats that will travel around the city for about 7.8 kilometres from Xing Gong Temple.
  20. [20]
    Johor city centre a hive of activity as Chingay Festival enters third day
    Feb 17, 2025 · He added that the Chingay Festival is celebrated by the Chinese community in Johor Baru from the 19th to 22nd day of Chinese New Year. StarPicks ...
  21. [21]
    Johor Ancient Temple Chingay, The Grandest Deities Parade in ...
    Nov 22, 2023 · The 21st day of the first lunar month: Night Parade of the Deities. The Night Parade of the Deities is the climax of the Ancient Temple ...<|separator|>
  22. [22]
    Asia Album: Grand procession of Chingay Parade returns ... - Xinhua
    Feb 13, 2023 · People perform lion dance during the Chingay Night Parade in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on Feb. 11, 2023. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua).
  23. [23]
    Johor Chingay Parade
    Aug 27, 2020 · The Chingay Parade originated from the Teochew tradition of 'parading the deity'. When the Ghee Hin Kong Si (predecessor of Tiong-Hua Johor ...
  24. [24]
    Major road closures in JB on Sunday for Chingay parade | Malay Mail
    Several major roads in the city of Johor Bahru will be closed in stages from this Sunday until Feb 19 in conjunction ...
  25. [25]
    About 500,000 expected to throng JB city centre for Chingay parade
    Feb 12, 2025 · JOHOR BARU: About 500,000 participants and spectators are expected to throng the Johor Baru city centre here to witness the upcoming Chingay ...Missing: attendees | Show results with:attendees
  26. [26]
    Joint Nomination for UNESCO - Chingay Parade
    Held on 4th February 1973, the first Chingay saw the People's Association teaming up with the Singapore National Pugilistic Federation to put up a grand parade.
  27. [27]
    Chingay - Singapore - NLB
    Singapore's modern Chingay parade began in 1973 and has evolved over the years into a multicultural event that includes participants of diverse ethnicities and ...
  28. [28]
    Chingay through the years: From streetside procession to massive ...
    Feb 27, 2015 · Thousands of people thronged the streets to watch the first Chingay parade held in Singapore on Feb 4, 1973. Over 2000 performers took part in ...
  29. [29]
    Chingay returns with a big splash! - The Long and Winding Road
    Jan 17, 2012 · That first parade featured some 2000 performers that moved along from Tyrwhitt Road, passing Jalan Besar, Bencoolen Street, Bras Basah Road, ...
  30. [30]
    Chingay Parade - Culturepaedia: One-Stop Repository on ...
    Jan 29, 2025 · It is generally believed that immigrants from China brought this religious custom of taking deities on processions to British-ruled Penang and ...
  31. [31]
    80,000 people treated to night of colour and festivities at Chingay ...
    Feb 10, 2017 · SINGAPORE - The streets around the F1 Pit Building near Marina Bay were a whirl of light and colour on Friday (Feb 10) night, ...Missing: venue | Show results with:venue
  32. [32]
    Chingay Floats
    Enjoy a sensory feast with a fleet of food-inspired floats. Beyond the parade, these floats will also be coming to the heartlands where you get a chance to be ...Missing: LED international Taiwan
  33. [33]
    Taiwanese performers participate in Chingay Parade presented on ...
    Taiwanese performers joined the lineup celebrating Lunar New Year at the 2021Chingay Parade (妝藝大遊行), which took place in Singapore on Feb. 20.Missing: collaborations | Show results with:collaborations
  34. [34]
    Chingay 2025 - SG60
    Get ready to Celebrate with JOY as the Chingay Parade returns on 7 and 8 February 2025 at the F1 Pit Building! Chingay 2025 will bring our community ...Missing: theme | Show results with:theme
  35. [35]
    Sponsors 2025 - Chingay Parade
    Sponsors 2025. Organised By. People's Association. Chingay Parade Singapore. Principal Founding Sponsor. Toteboard. Major Sponsors, Donors and Partners.Missing: organization | Show results with:organization
  36. [36]
    Chingay Parade in Singapore throughout the years
    Aug 1, 2024 · The parade was established in 1973 to commemorate the abolishment of the Chinese clans in Singapore.
  37. [37]
    Vote For Your Favourite Chingay Mural Design
    The voting is open from Saturday, 1 November 2025, 10:00am to Wednesday, 31 December 2025, 11:59pm. · #1 - VIBRANCY by Sun Jiaze · #2 - A TASTE OF CHINGAY by Chua ...
  38. [38]
    Chingay: A look at its origins and evolution from religious ritual to ...
    Apr 5, 2025 · Chingay processions are believed to have been brought to Penang in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants. They started as a religious festival in honour of ...Missing: Cheng Hoon Teng<|control11|><|separator|>
  39. [39]
    None
    ### Summary of Religious Elements in Johor Bahru Chingay