Chingay, a parade that was held as a result of the ban of the firecrackers back in 1973, has evolved into a bright and colourful parade. Incorporating performances from all the races here in Singapore, the theme for this year’s parade was Lights of Legacy.

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First time Chingay performer Ms Pamela Wong was a part of the Indian Cultural.  She said: “This is my first time performing and it is very fun. I can make new friends.”

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This was also Ms Wong’s first time performing in the Indian Cultural item. A common sight throughout the whole parade – unity in the different races.

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Ms Wong was not the only one who have forged new friendships through Chingay. Ms Hamiah, a Malay lady, was also stepping out of her own culture.  This is also her second year performing at Chingay. She said that through Chingay, she has gained better understand about the Indian culture. Ms Hamiah also said: “although I have some Malay friends who would bring us here, the Indian people were all very friendly and welcoming. They even asked us to bring more of our races here.”

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Chingay has helped unite people of different races together. It has also brought people closer together as evident by returning performers Ms Rekha and Ms Vijaja Latchim. They are returning for the 5th and 6th time respectively.

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Ms Vijaja Latchim said: “We come back because of our master but also because of the friends we have here. It is only at Chingay that we get to see each other for two whole months.” Ms Rekha shared similar sentiments. She said: “After performing and rehearsals, we don’t go back, we would go out for supper and chat. We even got to make new friends here.”

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Unity between the different races was evident throughout the parade as performers were not limited to their own culture. Ms Katya Terenova, a performer from Russia who was performing with the Flamenco dance studio in Geylang, said: “It’s very nice to see local Singaporean girls dancing Spanish dance.” She added: “I think Singapore is the best example of racial friendship and nothing brings people together better than fun and dance.”