Chingay - to many youths today, may just be another parade, but to the performers who have dedicated their blood, sweat and tears to Chingay - it is so much more than that. For some, it even hits home - with performers developing familial bonds. 

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One of the associations involved in Chingay includes the Eurasians Association (EA), with this performance being significant to them as for the first time in the parade, they’re part of a unique fusion performance where performers across the four races perform as one, representing the diversity and harmony in Singapore.

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Chingay 2020 occurred on Jan 31, 2020, and February 1, 2020, at the F1 Pit Building, with the theme this year being: Colours in Harmony.  

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Natalie Trog, a Chingay participant in her 20s, said, “Chingay especially this year is much more personal for me because as a Eurasian, I am representing the Eurasian association and even though we are a minority, I get to present something that is part of my culture and identity.”

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When asked about what makes this year’s performance different, Ms Trog also added: “I didn’t know we’re doing something cultural, I thought we were doing hip hop dance, but once I realised it was a cultural fusion, it becomes more of a personal level.”

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For some, Chingay also impacts them physically, with 17-year-old Muhd Anzriq, another Chingay participant with the EA, recounting how there were tears involved sometimes during the preparation.

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He also mentioned: “Chingay is personal to me because if not for it, I would not have met this amazing family. Even when I am sick, they still care for me. It is an amazing family to have.”

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The participants of Chingay 2020 started practising since October, with practices being interrupted with the likes of holidays like Deepavali, Christmas and the December school holidays. Furthermore, the EA was a last minute addition compared to the other groups, causing their practice schedules to be even more hectic.

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As Chingay drew closer day by day, their practices also stepped up from once a week to twice a week. Because of that, the training process had been intense and tough. 

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However, Aldrich Low Wei Jie, 18, another Chingay performer with the EA, was unfazed by the practice hours and finds it rewarding. “The rush of adrenaline, as well as the fact that people’s cheering will fill the place - it just makes you want to do this again and again.”

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As we interviewed them, it was quite apparent how despite these trying moments, their camaraderie formed just from the past few months of undergoing practices to performing for Chingay together. 

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Mr Anzriq added: “But, we stuck through as a family!” Ms Trog also quipped in: “As a family, we will pull through!”

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Despite the EA being made up of people from all walks of life, it hits home for some - making everyone participating in Chingay feel like they’re part of a family.