Folk Music - Peranakan Music
Centuries ago when Chinese traders came to Singapore, they settled down and married local Malays - thereby bringing into existence the Peranakan ethnic group, with a unique culture that blends the traditions of both the Chinese and the Malays. One of the most notable aspects of Peranakan culture is Peranakan music. Lyrics were not only in Chinese and Malay, but also in English, and the elements of each culture formed the basis of Peranakan music - truly unique and heard nowhere else.
National Day Parade
Singapore's National Day Parade, held on 9 August every year, has spectacular shows to celebrate the nation's independence. Aside from the military marches, one of the main highlights of the Parade is the show segment, with three main Acts that ends in a Grand Finale. Each act revolves around the main theme for the year's parade, and are put up by many performing arts groups from schools, usually in the form of ethnic dances and gymnastics displays.
Another highlight of the National Day Parade would be the National Day songs. A different song is composed each year and, since 1998, performed by a selected home-grown artist. One of the most popular and enduring songs is 1998's song Home, performed by Kit Chan. Even now, Home is well-loved and several official renditions of it have been performed.
Another highlight of the National Day Parade would be the National Day songs. A different song is composed each year and, since 1998, performed by a selected home-grown artist. One of the most popular and enduring songs is 1998's song Home, performed by Kit Chan. Even now, Home is well-loved and several official renditions of it have been performed.
Chingay Parade
As part of Chinese New Year festivities, the annual Chingay Parade is held on the streets. It is a grand parade that involves huge, colourful floats, along with a dazzling variety of multi-cultural performances, with many performers dressed in elaborate, tradition-inspired costumes. The event has also been brought to the heartlands, with floats being paraded down neighbourhoods and dances and music in the streets.
