Food-inspired floats and food-themed costumes will take center stage at Chingay 2025

SINGAPORE – Nasi lemak, chilli crab, roti prata, curry Debal and more. Food will be the universal language for Chingay Parade 2025, held at the F1 Pit Building on February 7 and 8.

With the theme of ‘joy’, the multicultural annual street parade organized by the People’s Association (PA) will also be one of the first major events to commemorate Singapore’s 60th anniversary in 2025.

There will be a sensory feast with food-inspired floats, food-themed costumes and PAssionArts installations that reflect Singapore’s shared culinary heritage and the joy of shared meals.

In total, more than 4,000 artists from 150 organizations will participate.

The event will captivate audiences with a 360-degree parade layout and dramatic four-tiered stage, creating an immersive experience that encompasses Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry, artistic talent and collective spirit.

Singapore and Malaysia will jointly nominate the parade inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Intangible cultural heritage refers to traditions or living expressions that are inherited and passed on between generations, such as performing arts, social practices, rituals and events.

The National Heritage Board (NHB) said on November 5 that the nomination was decided jointly by both countries, which have Chingay-practicing communities in Singapore, Johor Bahru and Penang.

It added that the nomination, which will be submitted in March 2025, will commemorate the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between Singapore and Malaysia. The result is not expected until the end of 2026 at the earliest.

Mr. Kia Siang Wei, Chairman of Chingay 2025 Exco, said during a media lunch at the Eurasian Association on November 12 that Chingay stands for multiculturalism and national identity – a people’s parade for the people, by the people.

He told The Straits Times that with UNESCO’s joint nomination with Malaysia, the aim would be to create awareness, mindshare and value of Chingay, and to bring Singaporeans and residents forward to support, participate or to have a deeper sense of involvement.

He added: “Chingay is evolving because we want to be relevant to today’s and future society. We are trying to find new ways to reach new audiences, and we want to reach the younger community to build a new generation of supporters.”

Over the next two years, PA aims to develop an awareness and advocacy plan to promote the parade, first held in 1973, as a living heritage for joint UNESCO nomination.

The public can sign a digital pledge https://supportchingaysg.gov.sgand share Chingay-related content such as videos and photos using hashtags such as #ChingaySG on social media.

To reach children and youth, there will be an educational toolkit with videos, presentations and activity ideas to help teachers teach about Chingay.

PA will work with local schools and universities to share the evolution of the event and how it plays an important role in showcasing different forms of art and culture here.

Schools are invited to make videos to show their support for the joint nomination.

To reach working adults, PA will work with corporate partners to encourage employees to support Chingay’s UNESCO nomination.

There will also be interactive pop-up exhibitions at schools and community events where the costumes and floats will be on display and the public can experience the event up close.

The roadshows are listed on

PassionCard members can get a 60 percent discount on all tickets until December 3.

Freelance artiste Tejas V Hirah, 25, a third time Chingay artiste who will be dancing at the event, said: “Chingay is a platform for intergenerational, interracial and intercultural bonding. I enjoy talking to people from all walks of life through bento boxes, including disabled people and foreign artists.

Tickets for the parade can be purchased at www.chingay.gov.sg