Chingay

A vibrant fusion of art and culture, the Chingay Parade has now been jointly nominated by Singapore and Malaysia for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. What does that mean for the annual spectacle held in Singapore, Johor Bahru and George Town? 

This documentary traces the shared history of Chingay, from its roots to its unique evolution in the three cities, where today, it is an imposing religious procession in Johor Bahru, a spellbinding acrobatic display in George Town and a colourful multicultural showcase in Singapore. 

It will examine the elements that make Chingay an important cultural heritage and will also go behind-the-scenes to meet the performers and volunteers as they prepare for the 2026 processions. These participants – those who return year after year as well as newbies joining for the first time – are the beating heart of Chingay, who with their dedication have transformed the parade into a living heritage.