The Chingay Parade is about to begin

The two-night Chingay Parade will start at 8 PM tonight at the F1 Pit Building, featuring live coverage from reporters on the scene and a behind-the-scenes look at performers preparing backstage.

Hosted by the People's Association, this year's Chingay Parade is themed "Joy", drawing creative inspiration from local cuisine that runs through various performances and floats. Over 4,000 performers from home and abroad have been invited to participate in the parade, with 23 floats making it the largest number in Chingay's history.

He Bijie, 58, and her daughter Ning En, 18, are participating in their fourth and third Chingay Parades respectively. He Bijie mentioned her daughter initially joined through her school, while she participated via the North West Community Development Council. After her daughter graduated, He Bijie encouraged her to continue participating through the council to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.

Ning En told reporters their costumes this time incorporate fruit elements, unfolding to reveal patterns of different fruits, symbolizing traditional dishes from various ethnic groups and showcasing Singapore's multicultural background.

Discussing this year's highlights, He Bijie noted that unlike previous years where performances were along a straight line, there is now a central stage. This year's performance area is uniquely designed, featuring a four-tiered stage 90 meters wide and 26 meters high, offering spectacular viewing experiences. In celebration of Singapore's 60th anniversary of independence, 60 drummers, percussionists, and lion dancers from different ethnic backgrounds will kick off the show, performing on the four-story stage.