• A 238-metre golden dragon will thread its way through the streets of Macao, spreading happiness and joy to residents and visitors
  • The dragon and lion teams wish all residents and visitors a safe, happy and prosperous Chinese New Year during 16th and 17th February (Photo Courtesy of Government Information Bureau)

Multiple MGTO events usher in Year of the Dog

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For the auspicious Year of the Dog, Macao Government Tourism Office has lined up a series of events for Macao residents and visitors to enjoy as it extends a happy Chinese New Year to one and all.

The Golden Dragon and Lion Parade held by MGTO on the first day of Chinese New Year (16th February) marks the beginning of festive programmes celebrating the Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday throughout the city. A 238-metre golden dragon and 18 lions lead the Parade from the Ruins of St. Paul's to Senado Square and on to Calcada do Tronco Velho, St. Augustine's Square, Rua Central, Travessa da Paiva, The Government Headquarters (Avenida da Praia Grande), Travessa do Padre Narciso, St. Lawrence's Church, Bairro do Lilau, Rua da Barra, A-Ma Temple, Pousada de São Tiago, Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Sai Van and Rotunda da Baía da Praia Grande before finally arriving at Sai Van Lake Square.

On the first and second day of Chinese New Year (16th and 17th February) the God of Fortune, Gods of Happiness, Prosperity and Longevity, 12 Chinese Zodiac Mascots, Entourage Boy and Girl, five Macao Tourism Ambassadors plus dragon and lion teams will shower blessings and happiness on festival-goers in (chronological order) Anim'Arte NAM VAN, A-Ma Temple, Rua do Cunha, Taipa Houses, Eduardo Marques Square Coloane, Iao Hon Market Garden, Macau Fisherman's Wharf, Ruins of St. Paul's, Senado Square and Calçada da Igreja de S. Lázaro, delivering lucky red 'laisee' packets to residents and visitors en route! Meanwhile, artistic groups from Mainland China, Hong Kong, France, Portugal, Germany, Russia, Spain and Japan will perform in various parts of Macao to further enhance the seasonal atmosphere.

The highlight of all the CNY events, the Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Dog will ply the streets on the third and ninth day of Chinese New Year (18th and 24th February) featuring illuminated floats, performances, fireworks display and mobile app games. MGTO will broadcast the Parade live on giant screens installed in various locations, while shuttle buses will be available to conveniently transport residents and visitors to the Parade.

In addition, MGTO will implement a number of measures for Chinese New Year Golden Week - including the activation of a tourism notification system, undertaking scrupulous inspections, sending reminders to the tourism industry about conduct, allocation of staff at different locations to provide tourism information for visitors, publication of a food guide - plus the launch of numerous other celebrations.

Similar to previous years, MGTO will publish a Macao Food Guide for Chinese New Year in collaboration with a number of commercial associations. Listing restaurants and eateries open during Chinese New Year, the handy Food Guide familiarizes visitors with relevant information about the city's popular restaurants' opening times during the long holiday. Visitors can also find award-winning businesses listed in the Star Merchant Award - Restaurants and Eateries Guide publication and Star Merchant Award - Travel Agency brochure, available for download on MGTO website www.macaotourism.gov.mo. Closer to the CNY holiday, the Macao Food Guide, leaflets and schedules for Chinese New Year activities will also be available for download from the MGTO website.