Chingay Upholds Multiculturalism
The racial harmony in Singapore brought into CHINGAY
Done by: FAEEZAH ADAM
Done by: FAEEZAH ADAM
MULTICULTRALISM IN CHINGAY: Malay and Chinese performers strike a pose at the end of the parade, where the annual event is now a national festival celebrated by various ethnicities. – (PHOTO: KARLO CASTILLO KALIS)
What started out as a Chinese New Year parade has now changed into a multi-cultural showcase of Indian, Malay and International acts.
This year, Chingay showcased more than 8000 multi-cultural performers. It included performances by a vibrant Indian Bollywood-themed performing contingent and a Malay dance-off between traditional and modern contemporary Malay dance, to name a few. In these performances, different races were seen embracing one another’s culture and celebrating the different ethnicities. Being a Chinese cultural parade which used to be celebrated only by the Chinese, Chingay has since taken on a multi-cultural flavour from 1976.
There were even performers of different races performing in certain ethnic dominated acts. “It is eye opening and I learn and understand the different culture and I also get to know what my Indian counterparts go through,“ said Amanda Ng, 19, a Chinese performer who performed in the Indian Bollywood contingent from St. Andrew’s Junior College. She added, “At the end of the day, it is hard work and determination that counts and not of what race we are.”
The opening act, Qiao Hua Dan, a Chinese classical dance featured 40 Malay students performing in it. Though their choreographer knew very little English, the Malay dancers did not have a problem understanding her with the help of their teammates. “Our Chinese friends would translate for us and show us the steps. They never leave us out though they are the majority. We always feel like we belong,” said Yusnah Yusof, 18, a Malay performer from Bukit View Secondary School participating in the Qiao Hua Dan act. It was exactly that spirit of belonging amongst the different races that shone through the entire parade.
In addition to the local culture, the parade also consisted of performing contingents from China, Italy, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines which received a standing ovation from the spectators. “Seeing the different contingents from other countries, it is unique and it is very multi-cultural which makes Chingay extra special,” said Wong Wee Lee, 18, one of this year’s Chingay volunteers, a Ngee Ann Polytechnic student. Held every year, the added acts varying in ethnicity in Chingay have shown that multiculturalism plays a huge part in Singapore’s identity.
This year, Chingay showcased more than 8000 multi-cultural performers. It included performances by a vibrant Indian Bollywood-themed performing contingent and a Malay dance-off between traditional and modern contemporary Malay dance, to name a few. In these performances, different races were seen embracing one another’s culture and celebrating the different ethnicities. Being a Chinese cultural parade which used to be celebrated only by the Chinese, Chingay has since taken on a multi-cultural flavour from 1976.
There were even performers of different races performing in certain ethnic dominated acts. “It is eye opening and I learn and understand the different culture and I also get to know what my Indian counterparts go through,“ said Amanda Ng, 19, a Chinese performer who performed in the Indian Bollywood contingent from St. Andrew’s Junior College. She added, “At the end of the day, it is hard work and determination that counts and not of what race we are.”
The opening act, Qiao Hua Dan, a Chinese classical dance featured 40 Malay students performing in it. Though their choreographer knew very little English, the Malay dancers did not have a problem understanding her with the help of their teammates. “Our Chinese friends would translate for us and show us the steps. They never leave us out though they are the majority. We always feel like we belong,” said Yusnah Yusof, 18, a Malay performer from Bukit View Secondary School participating in the Qiao Hua Dan act. It was exactly that spirit of belonging amongst the different races that shone through the entire parade.
In addition to the local culture, the parade also consisted of performing contingents from China, Italy, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines which received a standing ovation from the spectators. “Seeing the different contingents from other countries, it is unique and it is very multi-cultural which makes Chingay extra special,” said Wong Wee Lee, 18, one of this year’s Chingay volunteers, a Ngee Ann Polytechnic student. Held every year, the added acts varying in ethnicity in Chingay have shown that multiculturalism plays a huge part in Singapore’s identity.