Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore (Ji Yin)

As a result of the ban of firecrackers in 1972, people's association decided to organise a street parade on the 4th February 1973 in order to satisfy the dampened festive mood from the banned firecrackers. This was how it all started. Since the Chingay Parade was so well received by the public, this has been carried on since and celebrates its 44th anniversary this year.

The theme for this year's Chingay Parade is "Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore", celebrating the legacy and wisdom of our founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, and pledging our support and live by the four core values: Racial Harmony and Social Cohesion, Caring Community, Resilience as a Nation, Can-do Singapore spirit and Uphold high moral values. The theme suggests that Singapore would be brighter, more successful in the future. It might also be a metaphor for the lights at the Chingay Parade.

The first Chingay Parade was not only to bring the festive mood back after the ban of firecrackers but also toward off evil spirits and in other countries, to celebrate the birth of Chinese deities. The main audience of Chingay Parades were Chinese. Starting from 1976, Chingay Parade took a multicultural flavour and is enjoyed by the Malays as well as Indians and Eurasians. On one of the floats, it says "Because We Are Different, We Are One". Here in Singapore, age, race, language, and creed are no barriers. We celebrate as one Singapore, together.

I think the organisers have successfully fulfilled this purpose. The Organisers have successfully made people of all ages, races, languages together to enjoy the Chingay Parade, and as could be seen in the photos, the Chingay Parade was beautifully brought together by performers. Everyone enjoyed themselves watching the Chingay Parade and that was what mattered the most. As a fellow Singaporean watching the Chingay Parade I felt very proud of my country, which was why I felt the organisers have successfully fulfilled this purpose.

"Regardless of race, language or religion to build a democratic society based on justice, prosperity and progress for our nation". I feel that we should accept everyone of all races and most importantly remember the four core values and make Singapore a brighter place for everyone together.