The Chingay Parade is very much part of Singapore culture. Having officially started in 1973, the sight of the vibrant floats and energetic performers marching down the streets is certainly one that Singaporeans, both young and old alike, continually enjoy every year.
With the new year of 2023 beginning in earnest, Chingay is embracing a fresh start as it makes its return on 3 and 4 February 2023. Chingay 2023 is marked as the first edition since its Golden Jubilee, and the parade returns to a familiar place — the F1 Pit Building. In addition, they are celebrating the occasion by presenting an entirely different experience for audiences to enjoy.
The theme for this year is “Embrace Tomorrow”, completing the trilogy that began with 2021’s “Light of Hope”, followed by 2022’s “Ignite Our Dreams”. As part of the theme, the parade is set to feature musical and theatrical elements that aim to captivate and invoke the imagination of Singaporeans.
The parade’s return to the F1 Pit Building will see over 10,000 residents, artists, and art groups involved this year, including more than 3,000 performers. Fans of the previous editions of the Chingay will also be excited to catch the return of the large, vibrant floats that spectators can see up close, with mini community-created floats also in the mix.
Another unique highlight of Chingay 2023 is the Container Art Installation. Made up of twenty-eight 20-footer and 40-footer containers, the installation is conceptualised by artist Sam Lo. 480 youths worked together with Sam Lo to design the artwork using spray paint to express their vision of Embrace Tomorrow, all while adding a contemporary touch to the parade. It will serve as the performance backdrop for the parade.
“The design concept is a celebration of our new beginning and excitement for life as we embrace the unknown, emphasise the collective, and boldly leap into the future together as one. As the People’s Parade makes its long-awaited return to the streets in 2023, we will once again witness this unified spirit from individuals from all walks of life coming together, stronger,” says Sam Lo.
Besides the Container Art Installation, Chingay 2023 will also feature the Rabbits ART-Venture installation, made by 2,000 students from eight schools and institutions. Made under the concept of ‘Avant-Garde Space City.’, the rabbits have been beautifully hand-painted and will also make a particular sound whenever someone walks past.
Both the Container Art Installation and Rabbits ART-Venture can be viewed at the F1 Pit Building, where there is free admission for the public.
Audiences will also experience a show of national pride as local budding talents are given the platform to showcase their skills at Chingay 2023.
Before Chingay started, the “We’ve Got Talent!” (WGT) and D:2 Dance Competition were held, showcasing the community’s best. The Chingay Community Star of 2023 from WGT and winning dance groups of the D:2 Dance Competition 2023 will be at Chingay 2023 performing live, so be sure to support them!
Are you excited for Chingay 2023, then? Tickets for the parade are now available on SISTIC starting at S$20 each, with PAssion Card members getting an additional 20% discount on all admission tickets.
Unable to make it to the parade in person? Not to worry, Chingay 2023 will be streamed live on Facebook, YouTube, and the official Chingay website. The parade will also be making its way to the heartlands for residents to get up close and personal with an immersive experience, featuring a truncated version of the show with floats and performers.
Chingay 2023 Full Details
Date: 3 and 4 February (8pm to 9.30pm)
Location: F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd, Singapore 038975
Price: [Parade 1 – 3 February] Sector A – S$50 (Cat 1), S$40 (Cat 2), S$28.50 (Cat 3) | Sector B/C/D – S$20
[Parade 2 – 4 February] Sector A – S$60 (Cat 1), S$50 (Cat 2), S$28.50 (Cat 3) | Sector B/C/D – S$20Chingay@Heartlands Locations
Locations:
- Chingay @ East Coast 2023
Where: Open Field next to Blk 19 Bedok South Road
When: 11 Feb 2023
- Chingay @ OTH
Where: Our Tampines Hub
When: 12 Feb 2023
- Chingay @ Chua Chu Kang GRC & Hong Kah North SMC
Where: Keat Hong Square
When: 25 Feb 2023
- Chingay @ Ang Mo Kio GRC, Kebun Baru And Yio Chu Kang SMCs
Where: Fernvale Square
When: 26 Feb 2023
- Chingay @ Nee Soon
Where: MPC @ Khatib
When: 4 Mar 2023
- Chingay @ Tanjong Pagar
Where: Discover Tanjong Pagar Community Green
When: 5 Mar 2023
For more information about Chingay 2023, do visit their official website. You can also follow updates in the lead-up to the parade on their social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram.
DANAMIC will be covering more of Chingay 2003 soon! Be sure to check our website or follow our social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for live updates on the parade.
Visuals courtesy of People’s Association.
