Chingay Parade 2013: A Celebration of a Melting Pot of Cultures

Modern day Singapore is a melting pot of diverse communities, ethnicities and cultures thanks to its strategic geographical location as a port where many Asians settled down in the country subsequent to arriving there for trade and commerce. Therefore, the diversity it affords as a nation and the peaceful relations and mutual respect that exist between these communities are truly unparalleled. It is this cultural diversity is celebrated in the Chingay Parade.

The Chingay Parade is a celebration that takes place as the nation welcomes the Chinese New Year and was introduced by the then administration lead by Lee Kwan Yew in order to continue the spirit and merriment of their people even after the lighting of fire crackers were banned as a safety precaution. The Parade certainly lived up to its expectations and perhaps even more for over the years it has been successful in attracting those of diverse communities, races and cultures into its celebrations.

The Parade scheduled for 2013 is to be held under the theme “Fire in Snow”. In an effort to celebrate human strength in the face of adversity and hardship, ‘Fire” is symbolic of human strength and power as it triumphs over life’s bitter tests, battles and struggles symbolized by snow. Furthermore, in an effort to create an ocean of fire, more than 2, 500 performers are set to light pots of fire to kick start the celebrations. Additional events and attractions including 400 Tai Chi sword performers, processions of sparkling firecrackers and the Opera presentation are ensured to keep the spirit and merriment of the people at an all time high! The sale of tickets have already begun, so if you wish to bear witness to this enthralling display of Singapore’s multi-cultural identity, purchase your tickets without further delay.

In organizing your tour of this city state, you will find that accommodation in this country attains a standard of excellence. When choosing a Singapore hotel that will allow you to experience not only the local culture, opt for Raffles hotel Singapore for in addition to its close proximity to many local attractions, this luxury hotel Singapore goes that extra mile to ensure that your holiday is a memorable one.

Chinese New Year Light Up – Crimson Cheer!

Known as the Lunar New Year, the famous Spring Festival of the Chinese New Year is a much anticipated time in Singapore. It is celebrated in every nook and corner, and the city comes alive with people from all walks of life celebrating this joyous occasion.

The streets are dressed in beautiful red decorations and feature traditional music and mouth watering fragrances of local cuisine in many of the roadside night stands. Along every neighbourhood in Singapore the spirit of good cheer could be witnessed. It is also a great time to shop and purchase a wide array of local goods and products.

The Chinese New Year Light Up is the time when crimson lanterns bearing different animal shaped ornaments are lit up to welcome the New Year. The event is best viewed in the Chinatown area, where stunning street lights combined with the decorations that hang from every roof, wall and nightstand, magically transforms the festive area. During the Chinatown Light Up, lion dancers and female dance troops perform in the area along with fire eaters and other traditional performers.

These mesmerizing performances are sure to leave its mark on your Singapore journey. With the city ablaze with hope for the coming year and the people alive with the festivities, the Chinese New Year is a great period to visit the city. Accommodation in Singapore could be found during the festivities; most hotels have competitive prices during this time of the year, and let you enjoy the festivities comfortably.

However if you want a little something more from your journey to Singapore, it is best to stay at a luxury hotel Singapore. Raffles Hotel Singapore is a well locatedSingapore hotel that gives you a beautiful view of the splendidly lit Clark Quay during the New Year period. Experience world class service standards and state of the art amenities within this elegantly decorated property.

While being pampered at one of Singapore’s best known hotels, blend into the festivities, culture and tradition as you visit Singapore’s Chinese New Year festivities, and take back with you memories of a tradition practiced by generations. What better way to celebrate your journey to the east!

Chingay Parade – Lighting up Streets of the Lion City

The popular Chingay Parade is one of the most popular events that are held on the day of the customary Chinese New Year. At present it has developed into a major street event which boasts the presence of the procession of myriad colors. The origin of this parade comes from China even though it is an annual street pageant that is taken place in both Singapore and Malaysia to commemorate the date of birth of the Chinese gods. The term Chingay was created by the Chinese people living in South East Asia.

Chingay means True Art according to Penang, and a mini adorned stage according to Singaporeans. You will witness a glamorous show off jugglers, dragon dancers, clowns, lion dancers, acrobats and percussionists bringing to the street into a whole carnival and bringing joy to all its spectators. The first Chingay parade was organized in 1973 and in the 1990’s it became an event which happened from evening to night and an outstanding array of displays to impress the crowd. During the past years the parade covered almost all the key areas of Singapore like Chinatown, City hall, Outram Park and Orchard Road. People of all ages, be it kids or adults participate in this vibrant procession celebrating and sharing the joy and delight of this ceremonial day. This is a day that everyone whether you are a Singaporean or not can dress up and party down the streets to celebrate the dawn of the spring bloom. It is indeed a beautiful experience that one can have in life where all the families get to the street fully clad under the sparkling and glimmering lights of the night.

Since recently many schools and clubs with about 2000 performers joined the parade with bravura Samba music which shook the streets of Singapore. Raffles Hotel Singapore is an ideal place that tourists who participate in the parade can stay in. In this luxury hotel Singapore you will experience true Singaporean hospitality blended with lavishing treats. This Singapore hotel will never let you down so it’s always worth a try if you are on vacation to the Lion city.