Various events were held in south China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) to celebrate the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, attracting numerous visitors from around the world.
This Spring Festival marked the first since its inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Macao injected fresh vitality into the traditional festivities with a series of exciting events.
Diverse Celebrations Ignite Festive Spirit
On Wednesday, the first day of the Chinese New Year, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) organized a community roadshow titled \"2025 Chinese New Year Activities\" at the iconic Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square.
A 238-meter-long golden dragon and 18 dancing lions joined the God of Fortune, the three Gods of Happiness, Prosperity, and Longevity, and the Chinese Zodiac Mascot of the Snake to greet and distribute golden ingots to residents and visitors.
\"We would like to avail ourselves of the dragon and lion dance to bring everyone Chinese New Year greetings,\" said Ho Kin Ho, one of the coaches of the dragon and lion dance performance.
Zhu Jingjing, a tourist from the Chinese mainland, exclaimed, \"It's quite impressive.\" Visiting Macao with her child for the first time, she added, \"I specially brought my child here to feel the Chinese New Year atmosphere in Macao, as the dragon and lion dances here are very traditional and unique.\"
Macao resident Leong Ka Chun also took his young daughter out to experience the Spring Festival's vibrant atmosphere. He expressed his hopes that, through watching the performances, his children could learn about the rich essence of traditional Chinese culture.
The New Year Market, organized by the SAR's Municipal Affairs Bureau at Tap Seac Square, began on January 22. In addition to booths offering New Year gifts, festive flowers, and snacks, the event also featured cultural performances, a large floral exhibition, and festive decorations.
From the end of January to the end of February, the \"Barra Lucky Blessing Market\" in Macao's Barra District is set to bring a selection of workshops for New Year prints from Beijing's Prince Kung's Palace Museum, popular music performances, and booths featuring trendy goods.
James Wong, a market participant and representative of small and medium-sized enterprises, said the market has given him a platform to meet more people and expand his business opportunities.
Several cultural and artistic venues have exhibitions on display, adding to the festive vibe. The Macao Museum of Art (MAM) is hosting the \"Palace of Double Brilliance: Special Exhibition from the Palace Museum,\" which runs until March 2.
\"The MAM has been cooperating with the Palace Museum for many years,\" said Zhao Kaixin, the exhibition coordinator. \"We hope this year's exhibition will provide residents and visitors with historical treasures and articulate the beauty of Chinese culture.\"
On Friday night, the \"Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Snake\" dazzled the central district of Macao with 17 parade floats, followed by the first session of the Chinese New Year Fireworks Displays.
As a signature celebration during the Spring Festival, two more fireworks displays are scheduled on the seafront of Macao Tower on February 4 and February 12. Additionally, another Chinese New Year Parade is planned for the evening of February 8.
Tourism Flourishes Amid Festivities
\"Friends from all over the world are welcomed to Macao,\" said MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes. \"Take a stroll around our city and experience the rich cultures and exciting elements of Chinese New Year.\"
According to the Public Security Police Force of the Macao SAR, the region's borders recorded 423,000 entries and exits by 5 p.m. on Friday.
It is estimated that during the Chinese Spring Festival holiday, Macao will see between 5.04 million and 5.36 million entries and exits, with an average of 630,000 to 670,000 people daily. This represents a three percent or more increase compared to 2024, according to the Public Security Police Force.
(With input from Xinhua)
Reference(s):
Macao SAR marks Chinese New Year with dazzling celebration events
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