When the lights come on at the F1 Pit Building this February, Chingay Parade 2026 will invite Singaporeans to step into a shared space of dreams, creativity and community spirit. Returning on 27 and 28 February 2026, Singapore’s largest multicultural parade takes on the theme “WISH”, framing the annual celebration as a collective expression of hope and aspiration. Organised by the People’s Association (PA), this year’s Chingay introduces bold firsts while deepening its long-standing identity as a people-led parade shaped by everyday Singaporeans.
A highlight of Chingay 2026 is a first-ever circular parade route, anchored by a transformable, multi-tier stage that delivers a fully immersive 360-degree experience. Audiences will find themselves surrounded by performers, music and movement — a deliberate design choice that reflects the inclusive spirit of the parade.
“For the first time, a 360-degree circular parade route and transformable multi-tier stage immerse audiences in Singapore’s vibrant multicultural parade,” said Mr Kia Siang Wei, Chingay 2026 EXCO Chairperson and Group Director (Partnership Group), People’s Association. “Every light, every dance and every float brings our collective wishes to life, inviting everyone to come together and celebrate the joy of dreaming big.”
Chingay’s reputation as the “People’s Parade” is most visibly reflected this year in its five district-level community floats, created by 5,000 residents from Central Singapore, North East, North West, South East and South West districts. Representing the largest community collaboration in the parade’s history, the floats translate neighbourhood stories and aspirations into striking visual forms.
From nostalgic childhood playgrounds to futuristic visions shaped by youth, each float is the result of months of co-creation between residents, community artists and volunteers. These community floats will not only take centre stage during the main parade but will also travel beyond the city centre as part of the Chingay@Heartlands Celebrations, bringing the parade experience directly into neighbourhoods across Singapore in March.
According to Mr Kia, it is often the quieter, human moments behind the scenes that best capture Chingay’s spirit. “One of our community artists shared a story of a resident who returned after a workshop just to say thank you, for bringing Chingay closer to the community and allowing them to be part of the Chingay story,” he said. “That small gesture reflects what Chingay is really about: creating a platform where people from different backgrounds come together, connect, and share experiences.”
The parade unfolds across an overture, six themed acts, and a grand finale, featuring more than 3,000 performers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Audiences will journey through celebrations inspired by major festivals such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas, alongside segments spotlighting community wishes and ASEAN cultural connections.
Chingay Parade 2026 unfolds as a journey of wishes coming to life, structured across an overture, six themed acts and a grand finale. Together, they form a continuous narrative that moves from a single spark of hope to a shared vision of the future.
The parade opens in near darkness, with a lone glimmer of light gradually multiplying across the arena. What begins as a single spark expands into a sweeping display of illumination, symbolising the birth of a wish. More than 600 performers move in synchrony, their formations growing in scale and energy as dancers in orchid-inspired costumes and performers from later acts converge. The arrival of lead character Little Star, descending into the centre of the stage, signals the start of the storytelling journey — one powered by music, movement and collective anticipation.
In Act 1: Lantern of Renewal (Chinese New Year), this first act bursts into colour and motion, celebrating renewal and new beginnings through the lens of Chinese New Year. Led by Yuan Bao, the embodiment of good fortune, the segment blends tradition with modern flair. High-energy choreography inspired by the Singaporean tradition of lo hei unfolds to contemporary beats, while lion and dragon dancers, stilt walkers and performers in playful, symbolic costumes animate the circular stage. The act captures the spirit of starting anew together, grounded in shared rituals and festive joy.
In Act 2: Light of Togetherness (Hari Raya Puasa), warmth and intimacy take centre stage as the parade transitions into a kampung setting for Hari Raya Puasa. Guided by Nenek, the act celebrates family, intergenerational bonds and the strength of community. Traditional joget and silat performances are woven together with live percussion and Malay instruments, culminating in a mass dikir barat segment. In a powerful moment of inclusion, thousands of audience members are invited to join in, transforming spectators into participants in a shared expression of unity.
With Act 3: Wishes of Light and Hope (Deepavali), Deepavali’s themes of light triumphing over darkness are brought to life through vibrant movement and colour. Led by Diya, this act showcases dances inspired by lamps, lotuses, peacocks and horses, supported by Indian classical vocals and percussion. Migrant workers also take the stage, contributing to the visual spectacle with larger-than-life props. The segment underscores resilience, solidarity and the idea that hope shines brightest when communities stand together.
Come Act 4: Sparkles of Joy (Christmas), festive cheer fills the arena as Reindeer leads a celebration of giving, kindness and shared joy. Snow-inspired visuals, playful costumes and upbeat choreography — including tap dance and cheerleading routines — create a lively atmosphere. Accompanied by a live band and Western drum ensemble, the act invites audiences to sing along, reinforcing the idea that joy multiplies when it is shared.
In Act 5: Our Community Wishes, the focus shifts from festive traditions to contemporary community aspirations. Returning to centre stage, Little Star is joined by youth martial arts practitioners in a dynamic blend of music, dialogue and movement. The segment features the Harmony of Lights float alongside the Globe of Wishes and five district-level PAssionArts community floats. As hundreds of performers in illuminated costumes move in unison, the arena becomes a living canvas of collective hopes shaped by residents from across Singapore.
In Act 6: The Light of ASEAN Nations, Chingay’s multicultural reach extends beyond Singapore as percussionists and performers from across ASEAN come together in a high-energy showcase. Each nation presents a signature cultural performance, interwoven with local dance and music. The act celebrates regional friendship and shared heritage, emphasising cultural exchange as a source of strength and inspiration.
The parade concludes with a breathtaking transformation. Little Star becomes a radiant symbol of collective dreams, accompanied by silver-clad performers who fill the arena with light and movement. Returning performers from earlier acts surround the circular route, while special effects and illuminated costumes heighten the sense of scale and wonder. As audiences are invited to make their own wishes, the finale closes the night on a hopeful note, a shared vision of a brighter future shaped by unity, imagination and participation.
Recurring throughout the show is the visual language of light — from illuminated costumes and lanterns to glowing floats and special effects — symbolising how individual hopes can grow stronger when shared. Five lively lead characters guide audiences through the narrative, culminating in a finale that transforms the parade grounds into a luminous expression of unity and optimism.
Chingay 2026 extends well beyond its main performances. PAssionArts Street, located at the open space in front of the F1 Pit Building, transforms the area into a lively arts hub on both parade nights. Featuring 19 community co-created art installations, roving performances and free hands-on workshops, the space invites families and visitors of all ages to participate actively in the festivities.
Education also plays a key role this year. Through Chingay’s National Education Programme, students from six schools have contributed art installations inspired by the theme “WISH”, while thousands more will attend the National Education Parade. A new “My Little Chingay Float” truck, based on Chingay’s first children’s book, will travel to schools and community spaces, introducing younger audiences to the values and traditions behind the parade. “When communities unite, wishes come alive,” Mr Kia said. “Through district-level floats, interactive art installations and the main parade, residents bring their creativity and passion into this celebration. It shows that we shine brightest when we dream and celebrate together.”
With tickets for the main parade almost fully sold, PA is encouraging Singaporeans to explore the many free and accessible ways to be part of the Chingay journey, from PAssionArts Street to the heartland celebrations and live webcasts. The parade will also be broadcast online and on television, ensuring that its message of unity and shared dreams reaches audiences across the island.
As Chingay enters its 2026 edition, the parade continues to evolve, not by moving away from its roots, but by reaffirming them. In placing communities, stories and participation at its core, Chingay 2026 reminds Singaporeans that the brightest wishes are often the ones we create together.
Chingay 2026 takes place on 27th and 28th February 2026 at the F1 Pit Building, with tickets available here For more and the latest information on Chingay Parade 2026, visit https://www.chingay.gov.sg, Chingay Facebook page @ChingayParadeSG and Instagram page @chingayparadesg.
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