Macao SAR kicked off the Chinese New Year with a series of vibrant celebrations, attracting visitors from around the globe. This Spring Festival marks the first since Macao was included in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, infusing fresh energy into the traditional festivities. 🌟
Diverse Celebrations
On the first day of the Chinese New Year, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) hosted the \"2025 Chinese New Year Activities\" roadshow at the iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s and Senado Square. A stunning 238-meter-long golden dragon and 18 dancing lions, along with deities like the God of Fortune, greeted and handed out golden ingots to residents and visitors alike. 🐲🦁
\"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.
Tourist Zhu Jingjing from the Chinese mainland shared her excitement: \"It's quite impressive. This is my first time bringing my child to the SAR. I wanted to immerse them in the authentic Chinese New Year atmosphere in Macao, where the dragon and lion dances are both traditional and unique.\"
Macao resident Leong Ka Chun also took his daughter to enjoy the festivities. \"Watching these performances allows my children to learn about the rich essence of traditional Chinese culture,\" he explained.
The New Year Market at Tap Seac Square, organized by the SAR's Municipal Affairs Bureau, launched on January 22. Featuring booths with New Year gifts, festive flowers, snacks, cultural performances, a floral exhibition, and vibrant decorations, the market was a hub of activity. 🌸🎁
In Barra District, the \"Barra Lucky Blessing Market\" is set to run until the end of February, offering New Year print workshops from Beijing's Prince Kung's Palace Museum, popular music performances, and trendy goods booths. James Wong, a small business owner, shared, \"This market has been a great platform to meet more people and expand my business.\"
Macao Museum of Art (MAM) enhanced the festive vibe with exhibitions like the \"Palace of Double Brilliance: Special Exhibition from the Palace Museum,\" running until March 2. Zhao Kaixin, the exhibition coordinator, said, \"We hope this exhibition provides residents and visitors with historical treasures that articulate the beauty of Chinese culture.\"
Friday night featured the \"Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Snake\" with 17 dazzling floats, followed by the first session of the Chinese New Year Fireworks Displays. Macao Tower's seafront will host additional fireworks on February 4 and 12, and another parade is scheduled for February 8. 🎆🐍
Flourishing Tourism 🌍
\"Friends from all over the world are welcome 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, by 5 p.m. on Friday, Macao recorded 423,000 entries and exits for the Spring Festival holiday. The SAR is expected to see between 5.04 million and 5.36 million entries and exits during the festival, averaging 630,000 to 670,000 people daily—a three percent increase compared to 2024.
