Macau is one of the most popular city based tourist destinations in South East Asia after Hongkong and Singapore. It is getting increasingly popular for its go happy mood and colourful life and beautiful mix of tradition with modernity. Macau boasts a unique festival culture, including such traditional Chinese celebrations as Lunar New Year, Feast of the God Tou Tei, the Tun Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) as well as the important Western festivals of Easter, Procession of our Lady of Fátima, and Christmas. In addition, many large-scale international events are held in Macau. Lets look at five things that can be done in Macau in coming months or they can be an easy pretext to just be there-
Feast of Maidens- August 20th
Sometimes referred to as the Lovers’ Festival, it falls on the seventh day of the seventh moon on the lunar calendar and has deep meaning for unmarried women. The festival celebrates the only day in the year when the legendary Heavenly Weaver can meet her lover, the Cowherd, over a bridge of birds spanning the Milky Way. Then there is another Feast of Hungry Ghosts- August 27th. In order to appease the ancestors’ souls and all the forgotten spirits, people make small models in paper of objects, and burn it all with incense on the pavements of the streets or at the entrance door of their houses. They worship the gods to protect those beloved ones and for that prepare dishes of meat and fruits
Macau International Fireworks Display Contest- September 5th,12th,19th, 27th & October 1st & 27th
A key attraction in Macau this year is the 27th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest. This is an event organized by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO). The 27th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest is scheduled to take place above the sea area in front of the Macau Tower between September 5th and October 1st. 10 contesting teams will brighten up the city skyline with spectacular fireworks on the nights.
Different outstanding pyrotechnic companies come from around the world to join the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest each year in the past, and this year makes no exception. The ten teams this year come from (according to the order in the contest program) Malaysia; Portugal; Finland; Taiwan, China; Korea; Italy; France; Austria; Australia and Mainland China. Malaysia and Finland are two new places in the contest; similarly, the companies from Italy and France will stage their first performance in Macau. Overall the teams demonstrate competitive experience and are ready to bring on a myriad of spectacular displays for both residents and visitors.
Macau International Music Festival- October 4th
This is a Festival that every year brings to Macau some of the finest orchestras, singers, choirs and music players. The programme contemplates both the Western and the Chinese classical and modern music. The climax is traditionally the performance of an opera. The concerts and recitals take place all over the Territory in the baroque churches, in the Chinese pavilions, in the gardens and in the Auditoria of the Cultural Centre. For this edition of the MIMF (28th), they have invited renowned regional and international ensembles and artists of different musical genres, schools and styles.
62nd Macau Grand Prix- November 19th – 22nd
Drivers must be able to combine a number of different skills on this world-famous circuit that demands control along long fast straights and technical ability which is needed to negotiate the sharp corners. The Macau Grand Prix is seen as a good training ground for world class drivers with winners often making the jump from here to big boys’ league of Formula 1 racing. It is probably the most internationally known event produced in Macau, because of its quality and of its history of five decades. Although Le Mans and Monaco still partly use public roads or streets, Macau is the last true road circuit that uses the same roads as that very first race back in 1953. It is a real racing fan’s dream.
15th Macau Food Festival- November
Every year around November, the Macau Food Festival – sited in the rotunda opposite the Macau Tower – attracts local residents and visitors beguiled by delicious Asian, European, Mainland Chinese and local delicacies. Liberally salted with exciting live entertainment, games and beer competitions, this foodfest has become a firm favourite for its uninhibited, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of street stalls, booths and tents.
So, when are you planning to be there!