Chingay Parade

Singapore’s Carnival of Dreams and Diversity

2026/02/26 - 2026/02/27

The Chingay Parade is one of Asia’s largest night street parades, held annually in Singapore to celebrate Chinese New Year. Originally launched in 1973 as an alternative to firecrackers, it has evolved into a national event symbolizing multicultural harmony and festive spirit in Singapore.

Every Lunar New Year, the city comes alive with the Chingay Parade—an explosion of color, sound, and energy. The F1 Pit Building and Marina Bay area are transformed by thousands of performers, spectacular floats, and the excitement of crowds, embodying the very heart of multicultural Singapore. Families, locals, and travelers all dance and celebrate together, making Chingay a night that truly expresses the spirit of Singapore.

From the first beat of the drums to the grand fireworks finale, every sense is awakened. Sequined costumes sparkle, the scent of incense and street food fills the air, samba and lion dance rhythms pulse, festival snacks delight the palate, and confetti rains down as the whole city dances in a wave of joy and unity.

Main Attractions

Grand Parade & Floats

The main highlight is the kilometer-long parade: giant floats, stilt walkers, lion and dragon dancers, samba teams, and multicultural performances appear one after another. LED-lit floats are themed each year to reflect dreams, history, or the zodiac, and the audience joins in the excitement along the route.

Multicultural Performances

Chingay is a showcase of Singapore’s diversity. Malay kompang drummers, Indian dancers, Chinese opera, hip-hop, and international guest acts blend tradition and modernity, languages, and costumes, creating a one-of-a-kind festival atmosphere.

Fireworks, Light Shows & Finale

The parade ends with a spectacular fireworks and light show over Marina Bay. Thousands of performers and spectators wave LED sticks and sing the Chingay theme song in a powerful display of unity. The scent of fireworks and roasted chestnuts lingers, adding to the festive mood.

Costumes & Decorations

Performers wear sequined and feathered costumes, traditional attire, lion and dragon suits, and more. Floats are decorated with flowers, lanterns, and LED art, while spectators in red, gold, or Chingay T-shirts add to the carnival spirit. The entire city becomes a stage for celebration.

Traditional Food & Drink

Food stalls along the parade route offer satay, popiah, curry puffs, sugarcane juice, and more from Singapore’s hawker culture. The aroma of grilled meats, spices, and sweet treats fills the air, making it a feast for all senses as you watch the parade.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of the Chingay Parade date back to 1972, when the Singapore government banned firecrackers during Chinese New Year for safety reasons. Firecrackers were a traditional way to ward off evil spirits and welcome the new year, so their absence threatened to dampen the festive mood. In response, the government and community groups sought a grand alternative celebration, leading to the first Chingay Parade on Singapore’s streets in 1973.

Initially, the parade featured Chinese floats, lion dances, and dragon dances, but as Singapore’s young nation grew, Chingay became a symbol of unity, gradually including Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and international performances. The parade expanded to major streets such as Orchard Road, City Hall, and Marina Bay, with modern elements like LED lights and projection mapping. Today, over 6,000 performers and 200,000 spectators participate annually.

“Chingay” means “the art of costume and masquerade” in Hokkien. Now, it is a living symbol of coexistence and creativity, bringing together multiple ethnicities, cultures, and generations. Chingay fosters national unity, community pride, and showcases Singapore’s uniqueness to the world. In recent years, digital streaming and virtual participation have been introduced, making Chingay a festival that evolves with the times.

Participant Voices

As a tourist, I was overwhelmed by the scale and color. A local family explained the meaning behind the floats and costumes, and I felt like I became part of Singapore’s story.

Fun Facts

“Chingay” means “the art of costume and masquerade” in Hokkien.

Festival Dates

The Chingay Parade is held every Lunar New Year at the F1 Pit Building and Marina Bay area. Secure your spot early and let yourself be swept up in the color, sound, and energy of Singapore’s most spectacular festival.