The 2015 Chinese New Year celebrations begin on February 19 and will include two vibrant street parades featuring floats from around Asia - on Saturday, February 21 and Saturday, February 28 – as well as the traditional Golden Dragon parade and Lion Dance Performances.
To top these, a spectacular fireworks display will take place over the city on Saturday, February 21, along with 10 days of performances by more than 1000 artists.
Countless local Chinese, Portuguese and Macanese restaurants will be decorated to be a part of the fun filled festivities.
“Include a vibrant street parade on both February 21 and 28. To top that off, there will also be a giant fireworks display on February 21. And, as usual, prepare for a feast - Chinese, Portuguese and Macanese style. Now that's food for thought It is the most important and colourful Chinese festival of the year,” said Helen Wong, general manager of the Macau Government Tourist Office in Australia and New Zealand.
“A majority of the local population celebrate, where shops, offices, factories close for what is an exciting traditional holiday,” she said. “Over 10 days celebrations involve a huge number of events including the traditional long dragon and lions dance on the streets. Crowds visit the temples, and there are countless lanterns and floral displays, not to forget the entertainment and fireworks.”
The grand outdoor and indoor events will be presented by the Macau Government Tourist Office. It will be the first time mainland China will include a float in the international processions.
The Golden Dragon Parade, held on February 19, will begin at the iconic Ruins of St. Paul's at 10am while the Lion Dance Performance will kick off from Senado Square at 11am on February 21, and from Tap Seac Square at 4.30pm the following day.
Celebrating Chinese New Year is a long-time tradition, where people visit and greet each other with plenty of "Kung Hei Fat Choi" and by offering "Lai Si" (red packets) containing money to wish good luck and prosperity.
On the 15th day of the first moon is the Lanterns Festival, where colourful lanterns are placed around the city. Small balls of glutinous rice are prepared as dessert, symbolising the "ribbon of friendship", "family reunion" or "good luck" for the Chinese.
Coinciding with the Chinese New Year festivities is a unique Macau Christian religious celebration where an image of Christ carrying the Cross is taken in a solemn procession from St Augustine's Church to the Cathedral for an overnight vigil.
It is then returned through the city accompanied by a magenta-robed escort, watched by supporters and the curious.
Details: Macau Government Tourist Office, phone (02) 9264 1488, or check out www.macautourism.gov.mo.
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