By Dr.MD Moon
Among the world’s most renowned festivals, Brazil’s Samba Carnival is a dazzling spectacle of music and dance. Inspired by its vibrant energy, Asia introduced the ‘Asian Samba Carnival,’ which eventually paved the way for Singapore’s grandest cultural event—the Chingay Parade. Established in the early 1970s, this annual parade was designed to promote multicultural harmony and cross-cultural exchange. Today, it stands as the largest festival in Asia and is globally recognized for fostering peace, unity, and cultural reconciliation.
A historic milestone was reached in March 2025 when UNESCO officially designated the Chingay Parade as a World Heritage Site, following a joint registration by Singapore and Malaysia. This recognition solidifies Chingay’s role in preserving and promoting cultural diversity on a global stage.
A spectacular showcase of cultural unity
Held on a 360-meter stretch of Singapore’s F1 racetrack, the Chingay Parade draws an audience of approximately 27,000 spectators. Tickets sell out well in advance, attracting both local and international visitors eager to experience this magnificent celebration of tradition and creativity. Unlike Brazil’s Samba Carnival, the Singapore International Parade features diverse performance teams from around the world, with only one team per country selected through a rigorous video audition process. Participating groups receive comprehensive logistical support, including accommodation, meals, and transportation, ensuring a seamless experience for all performers.
Each year, the parade revolves around unique themes, such as floral and water-based displays. With around 10,000 participants—including both local Singaporean performers and international groups—the event is a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage. The number of overseas participants varies annually, typically ranging from 500 to 1,000 individuals.
Korea’s unforgettable performance: Blending tradition and artistry
The 2025 Chingay Parade held special significance as it commemorated the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s founding and set new records as the largest event in its history. Among the standout international performances was Korea’s Seoul Eonnam Elementary School Traditional Arts Troupe, which mesmerized audiences with a traditional wedding-themed performance. The troupe skillfully combined elements of Beona Nori (spinning hats) and Chwita (wind instrument ensemble) to create a dynamic and visually stunning showcase.
Beona Nori, a traditional Korean performance, involves expertly spinning large hats while executing acrobatic movements, captivating spectators with its rhythmic elegance. Meanwhile, Chwita, a musical genre historically associated with royal processions and military celebrations, features wind instruments such as taepyeongso (a Korean oboe) and percussion ensembles, evoking the grandeur of Korea’s cultural heritage. By blending these elements, the Eonnam Traditional Arts Troupe presented a performance that seamlessly combined popular and court music traditions, leaving an indelible mark on the event.
International recognition and cultural impact
The significance of the event was further emphasized by the presence of Singapore’s Prime Minister and President, highlighting Chingay’s national importance. The participation of Korea’s Eonnam Traditional Arts Troupe was made possible through the support of UNESCO NGO IOV and the Singapore Embassy in Korea. Additionally, the Korean ambassador and his wife personally attended the opening performance, offering words of encouragement to the young performers.
Beyond the main parade, international teams, including Korea’s troupe, were invited to give additional performances on a city center stage. The inclusion of elementary school students in Korea’s performance made it particularly unique, drawing widespread attention and acclaim from audiences and media alike.
A Celebration of Cultural Exchange and the Korean Wave
On the final day of the event, February 10, participants had the opportunity to enjoy a city tour and a welcome party, further deepening cultural exchanges between nations. The event also highlighted the growing influence of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), as Korean music and dance were celebrated alongside traditional performances. Through their participation in the Chingay Parade, Korean performers not only showcased their rich heritage but also reinforced the importance of cross-cultural connections in a rapidly globalizing world.
As the Chingay Parade continues to grow in prestige and significance, Korea’s presence at this grand event serves as a testament to the enduring power of cultural traditions in fostering international unity and mutual appreciation.
