As the end of year approaches, the only thing on everyone’s minds are how the upcoming festive seasons will be celebrated. After Christmas is the New Year, followed closely by the Lunar New Year.
One of the biggest parade celebrations during the Lunar New Year festivities, the Chingay Parade will be going virtual. For the first time ever, the parade will go fully digital and be screened online for everyone to join. As always, the parade will shine the spotlight on both new and old cultural performance featuring traditional and emerging art forms.
A shining beacon of ‘Light Of Hope’
Next year’s parade sees over 2,000 performers and 150 organisations participating in the festival, which will be aired live on television, online, and social media channels on 20 February 2021, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Singaporeans stuck overseas for the holidays can also tune in and take part too.
Lim Hock Yu, Executive Director of People’s Association (PA), hopes that “this year’s theme signifies how each and every one of us in the community represents a sparkle of light to bring hope and warmth to one another. It reflects our core belief that as we unite as a community, we will emerge stronger together.
As we innovate to break the boundaries of time and space with a refreshed digital Chingay experience, I look forward to the support and participation of new arts and cultural groups, corporations as well as individuals to co-create Chingay 2021 together.”
Capitalising on digitalisation and technology for an immersive experience
There are many ways to host a livestream, and digital Chingay hopes to push the boundaries of technology for an elevated viewing experience. One of the biggest highlights to look out for is the 100 lion dance performance, which will involve local and overseas troupes from over 10 countries and cities. Through CGI, the local dragon dance and pole dance act will unite countries from as far away as San Francisco to reflect the spirit of overcoming challenges together.
Chingay also hopes to use technology to highlight intricate details that are usually overlooked or cannot be seen at physical parades during traditional ethnic performances. Having a closer look at the details will give viewers a newfound appreciation of the amalgation of the cultures and traditions that Singapore is so famous for.
Along this note, the digital Chingay has a whole host of activities to encourage the wider community be part of the festival experience.
Be part of Chingay from the comforts of your home!
Normally, applying to participate in the Chingay can be a stringent process, especially if you’re not part of any dance troupe or traditional culture group. For 2021, Chingay welcomes everyone – both young and old – to join Digital Chingay as part of their showcase of the rich diversity of talent in the community.
Show off your singing, dancing or any other unique talent, and you might be selected to be featured in the Jalan Jalan With Chingay segment of the show. Sing With Me asks viewers to record themselves singing to ‘As I Believe’ and to submit it online, which will then be compiled together in a tapestry of voices. If the song sounds familiar, it was sung by local crooner JJ Lin and written by Dick Lee in appreciation of Jewel Changi Airport.
If you’re more of a creative who prefers to work behind the scenes, the Let’s Build A Float! and Sew (So) Stylo! programme will give you a chance to design your own Chingay float or costume respectively!
Submissions are online, and you stand a chance to win more than bragging rights if your entry is selected – cash prizes and staycation packages are up for grabs.
From virtual to real-world
Not forgetting the #madeinsg items is the Chingay Mama Shop. Opening its doors in January, the Chingay Mama Shop will have a collection of local designers, products, and wares from social enterprises up for sale so you can keep a physical souvenir of the festival.
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