Dad explained to me softly and occasionally laughed with me. That simple but warm companionship makes me feel very nostalgic. Looking back now, the Chingay Parade is not just an event, but also carries the good times I spent with my father.
The Chingay Parade is a memory that I will never forget. That year, my dad and I watched the parade downstairs in the HDB flat. Dad explained to me softly and occasionally laughed with me. That simple but warm companionship makes me feel very nostalgic. Looking back now, the Chingay Parade is not only an event, but also carries the good times I spent with my father.
Now that science and technology are developed, it has also changed our living habits. Neither my children nor my grandchildren would want to stand downstairs below the HDB flat to watch a variety parade. They very much prefer to sit in front of the TV and watch in the comfort of home.
I hope that the younger generation can become more familiarised with cultural elements of Chingay Parade, such as musical instruments like kompang tambourines, traditional arts and crafts of the lion dance costumes and props and the many other national costumes and creative tools used. It may be more meaningful to set up some interactive areas where children can touch musical instruments or props instead of just watching.
Author: Leong May Fung