Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) welcomed the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, with a series of vibrant events that attracted visitors from around the globe. This year marks the first Spring Festival in Macao since its inclusion in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list, bringing a fresh burst of energy to traditional celebrations.
Diverse Celebrations
The festivities kicked off on the first day of the Chinese New Year with a community roadshow organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) at the historic Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square. A magnificent 238-meter-long golden dragon and 18 dancing lions, accompanied by symbols of fortune and longevity, greeted residents and tourists alike, distributing golden ingots to spread good luck.
Ho Kin Ho, a coach of the dragon and lion dance troupe, expressed the group's goal to use traditional performances to extend New Year greetings to everyone. Tourists like Zhu Jingjing from the Chinese mainland were impressed by the authentic and unique performances, making it a memorable first visit to Macao for her and her children. Local residents, such as Leong Ka Chun, also took the opportunity to introduce their children to the rich traditions of Chinese culture through these vibrant displays.
The New Year Market, launched by the SAR's Municipal Affairs Bureau at Tap Seac Square on January 22, featured numerous booths offering festive gifts, flowers, and snacks, alongside cultural performances and a large floral exhibition. From late January to the end of February, the Barra District hosted the \"Barra Lucky Blessing Market,\" showcasing workshops, music performances, and trendy goods, providing a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises like James Wong's business to connect with a broader audience.
Cultural enthusiasts enjoyed exhibitions at venues like the Macao Museum of Art (MAM), which presented the \"Palace of Double Brilliance: Special Exhibition from the Palace Museum\" until March 2. Zhao Kaixin, the exhibition coordinator, highlighted the collaboration with the Palace Museum to offer residents and visitors a glimpse into historical treasures and the beauty of Chinese culture.
The celebrations reached a peak on Friday night with the \"Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Snake,\" featuring 17 dazzling parade floats, followed by the first session of the Chinese New Year Fireworks Displays. Additional fireworks are scheduled for February 4 and February 12 at the Seafront of Macao Tower, with another grand parade planned for the evening of February 8.
Flourishing Tourism
The MGTO Director, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, welcomed friends from around the world to experience the rich cultural tapestry of Macao during the Chinese New Year. According to the Public Security Police Force of the Macao SAR, macao's borders saw 423,000 entries and exits by Friday afternoon. Predictions estimate that during the Spring Festival holiday, Macao will experience between 5.04 million and 5.36 million entries and exits, averaging 630,000 to 670,000 people daily—a three percent increase compared to 2024.
Reference(s):
Macao SAR marks Chinese New Year with dazzling celebration events
cgtn.com
