The UrbanWire

Against a theatrical backdrop of historic City Hall-grey and a deeper hue that shades the tendrils of a derelict economy, Chingay 2009 hurtles into a ferocious orgy of music, fire, costumes, and carefully choreographed colours.

UrbanWire gives you a sneak peek before it is broadcast tonight.

Released by an enchanted seal inserted firmly in place by Guest-of-Honour President Nathan and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, the Jester jubilantly announces the commencement of Chingay Wonderland that was ushered in by firecrackers and Chingay‘s first complete samba and capoeira ensemble.

There is certainly nothing subtle about Singapore’s biggest Chingay parade.

These 8-metre dolls are said to be the tallest in the parade’s history, while the Tong Liang Fire Dragon (below) spew molten iron that burns up to 1,500 degrees and in arbitrary gusts of sparks.
 

“Do you know what keeps us young?” The Jester asks.

“The secret of youth is laught-(voice dies)!” he exclaims, his voice trailing into a hoarse whisper that betrays hours of frantic shouting.

Chingay Wonderland ends with a lavish Banquet thrown by the King and Queen.

Master Magician Lawrence Khong from the MAGICBOX came riding in on a splendid white horse shortly after the starting of the Banquet.

He provides breathtaking entertainment by setting himself on fire.

When the Banquet too dwindles to an end, it is farewell for the performers but merely the beginning for Chingay’s after party: City Alive 2009, Singapore’s largest street party that UrbanWire also attended.

Here are more Chingay pictures; it’s an overkill with 142 of them:

Photography by Lee Xian Jie.