Feast of the Drunken Dragon, Tam Kong Festival and Feast of Buddha

The Feast of the Drunken Dragon is one of the most important folk cultural activities of Macao
Tam Kong Festival Parade - featuring various performances - concludes at Tam Kong Temple with a blessing ceremony

The Feast of the Drunken Dragon, Tam Kong Festival and Feast of Buddha all fall on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month (3rd May), with various celebrations throughout Macao demonstrating the cultural diversity of the city. In addition, this year's Macao International Museum Day will celebrate the Drunken Dragon traditions with a series of activities.

The Feast of the Drunken Dragon is a unique traditional festive event of the Macao Fresh Fish Traders, in which 'longevity rice' is gifted to the public and tourists at the square in front of Red Market, Iao Hon Market and in front of Sam Kai Vui Kun, to share blessings and happiness with everyone. The Drunken Dragon Parade will start at Senado Square, with floats traversing the environs of Hong Kung Temple, Red Market, Iao Hon Market, A-Ma Temple, Rua da Felicidade, and so forth, before returning to Senado Square. The unique Drunken Dragon dance will be performed during the Parade.

In addition, Tam Kong Festival features the Piu Sik (Floating Colours) Parade with over 30 teams in Coloane Village, dragon and lion dances, Portuguese folk dancing and juggling - with traditional Chinese Opera performances in Tam Kong Temple Square always a great draw!

The eighth day of the fourth lunar month also marks Buddha's 2,561st Birthday. The Buddhist Association of Macau will hold a Bathing the Buddha ceremony in Macau's Fishermen Wharf, with eminent monks from Pu Shan Buddhist monastery invited to host the ceremony. Additional activities will include game stalls, recreational events, performances and so forth.

The Mobile Museum - Red Market X Drunken Dragon Festival

This year's Macao International Museum Day Carnival will organize a large-scale annual museum event, themed 'The Mobile Museum - Red Market X Drunken Dragon Festival'. The opening ceremony will be held on the morning of 3rd May in Red Market. This edition of the Macao International Museum Day Carnival includes traditional ceremonies held by the Macau Fresh Fish Commercial Association in Red Market, such as offerings to the gods, drunken dragon and lion dance performances, parades through the streets of Macao and distribution of 'Dragon Boat rice'.

On the opening day, a series of activities will be held, including an exhibition about Dragon Boat rice inside Red Market, while models of street hawkers' stalls and an exhibition on the history of Macao's street vendors will be set up outside the building; billboards introducing the background of these activities will also be set up in the surrounding streets.

Additionally, a number of workshops will be held inside and outside the Red Market. The Lung Wah Tea House will also host lectures titled: About Dragon Boat Rice, The Reddest Market and Street Vendors and the Community. Furthermore, guided tours dedicated to The History and Evolution of the Red Market will be available, as well as the printing of commemorative T-shirts and wine tasting, among other activities.

More information available at: www.museums.gov.mo.