The yearly Chingay Parade is one of my favorite festivals in Singapore. I wrote about it here and here. Do check out these posts, since they have tons of fantastic pictures; all colorful and happy!
We Love SG
This year it is going to be extra special, thanks to the celebrations of SG50; the country’s 50th anniversary!
The 43rd Chingay Parade Singapore is titled “We Love SG” and will be the grandest parade ever organized.
11.000 Multicultural performers are participating in the parade and no less than one million colorful “We Love SG Flowers”, handcrafted from used plastic bags, will be shown. How cool does that sound?!
Chingay at the F1 Pit Building
Dates: 27 - 28 february
Pre-parade: 7 pm
Parade: 8 pm
Venue: F1 Pit Building (next to Sg Flyer)
Tickets via Sistic
How, when and where is the best way to watch the parade
There are several ways to enjoy Chingay.
1. Buy tickets for one of the two official dates
In 2010, our first Chingay, we bought tickets.
Why you should buy tickets:
- designated seat
- the parade in it’s most complete form passes before your eyes
Why you should not buy tickets:
- the tickets are expensive and the good seats sell out fast
- if you have bad luck (like I did that first year) you are located in a segment of the tribunes that is considered as not important/relevant. That means that the different performing floats and groups are rushed past where you are seated, only to stop -out of your sight- at another segment to stand still there and do their act on that spot.
- people in the front rows stand up and block your view with their bodies and their cameras
2. In 2012 we managed to go ‘backstage’, seeing the floats and groups in a state of preparation. No, they do not do their dance or act then and there, you hear no music, but man, did I have good photo opportunities; wow! I have to add that only media can go ‘backstage’ though.
3. Come early to the F1 PIT Building
We did this several times. Participants/performers are there early, in order to prepare. Hair and make-up needs to be done, costumes tried on, preparing for their ‘act’. Just hanging around at the Pit Building area, you will see a lot of dressed up people and fun and colorful scenes. The whole ambiance is one of excitement and cheerfulness. I love it!
4. Another year, we watched the parade when they came out of the F1 Pit Building, aka after they paraded along the tribunes.
Good: it’s free.
Bad: waiting/standing for hours, not necessarily a clear view, the performers do not do their ‘full’ show.
Then there are possibilities to catch the parade after the official two dates:
5. On sunday March 1st 2015, the parade is on Orchard Road, from 8-10 pm.
6. In March 2015, the parade travels through the different neighborhoods of Singapore, so if you do not opt for a paid seat at the F1 Building on febr 27-28, then you still have some chances to enjoy the parade. You can find more info and the schedule here: Post by PAssion Chingay Club.
Have you ever seen the Chingay Parade? Are you going this year? I think you should! It promises to be bigger and better than ever before; don’t miss out!
What great costumes!
bisous
Suzanne
It is a true feast for the eyes, year after year!