Chingay 2012

In 2010 I saw my first Chingay; Singapore’s big street parade. We bought tickets and watched the show; it was beautiful!

The year after, 2011, we did not buy tickets, but went ‘behind the scenes’ in the hours before the show and we had a great time taking pictures.

This year, 2012, I first went ‘behind the scenes’ and later watched the ‘after-parade’. Having a great time again!

Both in 2011 as this year balloons were omnipresent. Singapore really has fantastic balloon twisters and sculptors that can make about anything; from wearable clothes and accessories (2011) to wearable lion - and other animal-hats.

This rainbow was gigantic!

There were love-zeppelins.

And big hot air balloons.

The parade was going over a 360 meters long shallow waterway.

‘Behind and around the scenes’ it was hustling and bustling with activities. 8000 participants were walking around, doing their make-up, putting on their costumes, amidst of the giant floats and 1000’s of props.
So much colour, energy and fun!

There were acrobats and jugglers:

Manga- and Cosplay-adepts:

Disco ladies:

Being the year of the dragon, there were even more dragons in the parade then usual.

There are always groups participating from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The Indian group had a Swan theme. Very pretty, especially when lit at night during the parade!

Next to swans there were seahorses:

Hearts:

Komodo dragons:

Elephants:

And this is the Japanese float:

With Chinese girls posing in front of it:

And numerous other participants everywhere:

(Note the ‘water-shoes’ , by the way, worn by all 8000 participants in colours matching their costumes.)