May there be fun in Macao!

This May, prepare to soak up some sun and experience the delightful blend of leisure and excitement in Macao, as the vibrant city invites you to partake in a spectrum of captivating activities and cultural revelries.

Amidst the fragrant blossoms of spring, Macao buzzes with an infectious energy, heralding a season of indulgence in heritage, traditions, and avant-garde art. Delve into the moving ceremonial hymns honoring Our Lady Fatima, witness the fun-laden folk performance of the drunken dragon dance, and join the exhilarating activities celebrating the Grand Prix, not to mention the thrilling scores of artistic and theatrical programs, as Macao ensures there’s something spectacular in store for everyone.

A divine march

The Procession of Our Lady of Fátima is a significant religious commemoration in Macao, originating from the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fátima, Portugal in 1917. This revered tradition is now part of Macao’s Intangible Cultural Heritage that began in 1929. Held annually on May 13, the procession carries the statue of Our Lady of Fátima from the historic St. Dominic’s Church to Our Lady of Penha Chapel. Two young girls and a boy dressed in traditional Portuguese attire represent the three shepherd children who witnessed the divine apparitions in Fátima over a century ago. Banners of Our Lady Fatima are paraded in the streets as the Bishop of the Diocese of Macao, clergy members, and waves of local and foreign faithful participate in the commemoration, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees with its solemn and reverent atmosphere.  

The Procession of Our Lady of Fátima:
https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/events/whatson/10211/

Cultural heritage extravaganza

This May sees Macao overflow with festivities, with the Feast of Buddha, the Feast of the Drunken Dragon and Tam Kong festival all falling on May 15, the eighth day of the fourth lunar month.

Also known as the Feast of the Bathing of Lord Buddha, the Feast of Buddha is where all the statues of Buddha in the temples throughout Macao and the Islands are ceremonially washed in commemoration and celebration of Buddha’s birthday.

Another traditional folk festival is the Feast of the Drunken Dragon celebrated by Macao’s fishermen. The highlights are the Drunken Dragon and Lion Dance Parade, which begins at Senado Square after a blessing ceremony and continues through various locations. As you cheer on male performers carrying wooden dragon effigies and spraying rice wine from their mouths, you’ll be immersed in the rich traditions of this celebration. And don’t miss out on the “longevity rice,” a symbol of good fortune and health, which is both savored and shared during this event.

The Coloane community comes together in May to celebrate the Tam Kong Festival, marking the birthday of the sea deity Tam Kong. For over 140 years, fishermen have paid homage to the Tam Kong Temple in Coloane. On May 15 this year, the festival will feature a vibrant array of events, including a dragon dance, Cantonese opera performances, a beer carnival, and a grand parade with over 30 troupes, including one from Hong Kong. The Coloane community eagerly looks forward to sharing the festival’s joy and traditions with one and all!

Feast of Buddha:
https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/events/calendar/feast-of-buddha/

Feast of the Drunken Dragon:
https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/events/whatson/10213/

Tam Kong Festival:
https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/events/whatson/10212/

Feel the speed without limits

In celebration of International Museum Day, the Macao International Museum Day Carnival 2024 is set to entertain visitors with a delightful array of activities under the theme of education and research.

Join in the “Remote Control Fun Race” at the Macao Grand Prix Museum booth and embrace the racing spirit. Compete with fellow enthusiasts in this challenge and take home a complimentary souvenir after you sign up on the website. Hosted at the Mount Fortress Garden on May 12, this carnival promises a day of adrenaline rush for all.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Macao Grand Prix Museum for free on 18 May. Marvel at the magic of “Racing Cars Balloon Twisting” at the museum and receive your own twisted creation as a keepsake of this special day.

Macao Grand Prix Museum:
https://mgpm.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/

A spectacle of artistry

Step into the enchanting world of the 34th Macao Arts Festival, where ‘Wondrous Encounters’ await you - from captivating theater and mesmerizing Chinese opera to enthralling dance, awe-inspiring circus acts, and soul-stirring music.

Feast your senses on the innovative take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth with Macbettu, a Sardinian physical theater production that delves into the raw power of tragedies. Then, prepare to be spellbound by a contemporary rendition of Sleeping Beauty, as the Lyon Opera Ballet presents a post-modern interpretation of this timeless tale. Explore the complexities of human emotions in Duck Pond, a circus performance inspired by Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling.

With 19 programs and 25 outreach activities, the festival delivers a celebration of creativity, emotion, and unbridled imagination, running until June 7.

34th Macao Arts Festival:
https://www.icm.gov.mo/fam/34/en/#speech

Revel in carnival splendor

Immerse yourself in the “Experience Macao Carnival” at East Point City in Hong Kong from May 17 to 19.

This three-day extravaganza features a dazzling array of programs, prizes, and special offers, letting you share a unique taste of Macao’s summer charm.

The carnival will kick off with a grand opening ceremony on the first day, featuring celebrities Jeffrey Ngai, kayan9896, and German Ku. The lineup of activities from May 18 to 19 is even more fun! Enjoy colorful performances by six integrated resorts from Macao with engaging prize-winning games. For families with young ones, be sure to swing by the workshop of fluffy ball painting. Challenge yourself to the interactive game “Challenge 25 Seconds” and get a chance to win a Macao Pass. Explore various exhibition areas showcasing Macao’s rich history and culture and receive souvenirs. Meanwhile, discover exclusive travel offers starting from $399 per person for three people, offered by the Macao Government Tourism Office with China Travel Service, EGL Tours, Wing On Travel, and Travel Expert. Use Boc Pay and spend over HK$1000 to enjoy HK$100 off! What’s more, receive a Macao Pass worth MOP$50 for any purchase over HK$800. It’s a celebration not to be missed!

Experience Macao Carnival:
https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceMacao/posts/pfbid02wahRG5eigs8wpocozjEDY8aAHc86mxqGKAGRdUHtYdqUhK8bGL1N1dMihFi5qhUnl

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