STORY: Held annually, Chingay, which is derived from the Hokkien pronunciation of the Chinese phrase “costume art,” has its roots in processions held to honor deities, tracing back to mainland China, according to organizers.

The modern rendition, however, is usually held around the Lunar New Year and is closely associated with overseas ethnic Chinese communities in Singapore and Malaysia.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was also in attendance.

Celebrations for the Lunar New Year technically began on January 21, although festivities continue for over two weeks from that date.