Hey, amigos! 🎉 Macao SAR is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and it's nothing short of epic! If you\'re looking for a place where tradition meets excitement, Macao is the spot. 🐲🎆
Vibrant Festivities Light Up Macao
This year marks the first Spring Festival since it became part of UNESCO\'s intangible cultural heritage, and Macao is buzzing with fresh energy! The city kicked off the celebrations with a community roadshow organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) at the iconic Ruins of St. Paul\'s and Senado Square. A massive 238-meter-long golden dragon and 18 dancing lions took to the streets, spreading joy and handing out golden ingots to everyone they met. 🐉💰
\\"We wanted to bring the dragon and lion dance to everyone and share our New Year greetings,\\" said Ho Kin Ho, one of the passionate coaches behind the dazzling performance.
Families and Travelers Join the Fun
Visitors from around the world and local residents are soaking up the festive vibes. Zhu Jingjing, a tourist from the Chinese mainland, was thrilled to experience the celebrations with her children. \\"It's quite impressive,\\" she told China Media Group (CMG). \\"I brought my child here to feel the Chinese New Year atmosphere in Macao. The dragon and lion dances here are very traditional and unique!\\" 🧧👨👩👧
Macao resident Leong Ka Chun took his little daughter out to embrace the festivities. \\"I hope that through watching these performances, my children can learn about the rich essence of traditional Chinese culture,\\" he shared with CMG. ❤️
Markets, Music, and More! 🎶
The New Year Market at Tap Seac Square is a must-visit, offering everything from festive flowers and snacks to cultural performances and stunning decorations. And don't miss the \\"Barra Lucky Blessing Market\\" in the Barra District, featuring New Year print workshops from Beijing's Prince Kung's Palace Museum, live music, and trendy goods. James Wong, a local entrepreneur, is excited about the opportunity: \\"The market has given me a platform to meet more people and expand my business,\\" he said.
Embracing Culture at Every Turn
Cultural venues across Macao are adding to the excitement. The Macao Museum of Art is hosting the \\"Palace of Double Brilliance: Special Exhibition from the Palace Museum\\" until March 2. Exhibition coordinator Zhao Kaixin hopes it will provide visitors with historical treasures and showcase the beauty of Chinese culture. 🎨🏛️
Spectacular Parades and Fireworks
On Friday night, the \\"Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Snake\\" lit up the central district with 17 parade floats, followed by a breathtaking fireworks display over the Macao Tower waterfront. And guess what? There are more fireworks shows scheduled for February 4 and February 12, plus another grand parade on February 8! 🎇🚀
Tourism is Booming 🌏
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes is extending a warm welcome: \\"Friends from all over the world are welcomed to Macao. Take a stroll around our city and experience the rich cultures and exciting elements of Chinese New Year,\\" she said.
Macao's borders are bustling! By 5 p.m. on Friday, there were 423,000 entries and exits, according to the Macao SAR's Public Security Police Force. They're estimating between 5.04 million and 5.36 million entries and exits during the Chinese New Year holiday, marking an increase of over three percent compared to last year. 🛫🛬
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, pack your bags, and join the celebration in Macao SAR! This is where memories are made and traditions come alive. 🎒🎉
Reference(s):
Macao SAR marks Chinese New Year with dazzling celebration events
cgtn.com
