Hot, sweaty, and jostled from all the pushing, we didn’t care. Every sound, every flash of light, and every swirl of colour made us feel as if we had stepped into a dream.
In my recollection, when I was young, my sister and I would squat along the pavement, hot and bothered, yet excited with anticipation as we waited for the Chingay parade to start.
When the Chingay parade finally began, we were completely mesmerised. We rushed forward, pushing gently and stretching our necks to catch every glimpse of the dazzling lights, glittering costumes, and towering floats rolling past. Sometimes we had to stand on tiptoe just to glimpse the shimmering costumes of the band and the dancers. The air was filled with music, laughter, and cheers.
Hot, sweaty, and jostled from all the pushing, we didn’t care. Every sound, every flash of light, and every swirl of colour made us feel as if we had stepped into a dream.
Nowadays, the parade has become even better. The floats are bigger and brighter, and the lights and costumes are even more elaborate and beautiful.
Sadly, we have less opportunity and time to fully enjoy the new and improved Chingay parade. We are often too tired after a day’s work and have lost the patience to watch the entire parade. This is the reality of the hustle and bustle of life.
Author: Shirley Long