From Watching on Phone to Taking the Stage: Migrant Worker's Chingay Dream Comes True

Last year, an expatriate worker watched the Chingay parade on his mobile phone. And this year, he is taking center stage. Migrant workers will perform for the first time at Chingay 2026, one of Singapore’s largest cultural events. Among them is 31-year-old Indian national Manorenjin.

The expatriate worker, who arrived in Singapore about a year and a half ago, is now participating in the ‘Wish’-themed Chingay parade. As a result, a new history has been added to this year’s event.

New This Year

Chingay 2026 will be held on February 27 and 28 at the F1 Pit Building. More than 3,000 performers will participate in this year’s parade. There will also be five large community-made floats and a 360-degree circular stage for the first time.

About 95 percent of the tickets have already been sold. So, the organizers hope that this year’s Chingay will be more colorful than ever before.

Expatriate’s Dream Comes True

Manorenjin said that he watched Chingay last year on his phone. But this time, he is very excited to be able to take the stage himself. He was a choreographer in India. So he already had experience in the art form.

This time, he will perform with more than 20 members, including his cousin. They will present the Indian art form of lamp and lotus dance.

Chingy Tradition

The word “Chingay” comes from the Hokkien dialect, which means the art of decoration and mask. The first Chingay parade in Singapore was held in 1973. It started as part of the Chinese New Year celebration. Later, it became a symbol of multicultural culture. It is now known as one of the largest street performance parades in Asia.

Multicultural Stage

Since 1976, the Chingay parade has started to include participation from different ethnic groups. As a result, it has become a symbol of ethnic harmony. Later, international artists also started participating in it.

In 2021, during the Covid pandemic, a digital Chingay was organized. The Tai Chingay has now become a unique national tradition in Singapore.

The Message of the ‘Wish’ Theme

This year’s theme, ‘Wish,’ carries a message of collective aspirations and unity. The organizers say that it is not just a parade but a celebration of national solidarity. The lighting, huge floats and convertible stage will captivate the audience.

At the same time, the participation of migrant workers reflects Singapore’s inclusive spirit. So this year’s Tai Ching is becoming a gathering for everyone.