• Macao International Parade promotes the classical mythology and folklore of China and Portuguese-speaking countries (Photo courtesy of the Cultural Affairs Bureau)
  • Macao International Parade is one of the major events celebrating the establishment of Macao Special Administrative Region (Photo courtesy of Li Man Lok)

‘2018 Macao International Parade’ Highlights Cultural Encounters between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries

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Organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the 2018 Macao International Parade' celebrating the 19th Anniversary of the establishment of Macao Special Administrative Region will be held on 16th December. Based upon the concept of cultural encounters between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and associated with the classical myths and folklore of these regions, the Parade presents a culturally rich handover celebration, highlighting Macao's unique position as an important hub between China and far-flung Portuguese-speaking countries.

Classical mythology, folklore and fireworks

Macao International Parade - in tandem with the Arts and Cultural Festival of China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and the Lusofonia Festival, among others - seeks to kindle a new cultural collaboration between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Themed 'VIVA Mission: Unveil Secret Order', Parade mascot VIVA has received a secret order to gather folklore, assembling totems and mascots which embody the cultural origins and essence of China, Macao and eight Portuguese-speaking countries. With the magical power gained from these ancient myths and folklore, VIVA calls for a feast of 'Love, Peace and Cultural Integration' in celebration of the handover.

The ten figures are Nüwa from Mainland China, A-Má from Macao, the Barcelos Rooster from Portugal, the Sun from Cape Verde, the Crocodile from East Timor, the White-nosed Monkey from Guinea-Bissau, the Protector of the Forest from Brazil, the Island of Roosters from São Tomé and Príncipe, the Goddess of the Sea from Angola, and the Spirit of the Oceans from Mozambique. These figures carry the roots and essence of their respective cultures, representing important values in life such as love, inheritance, esteem, respect, protection, eternity, justice, gratitude, compassion and dedication.

The Parade kicks off with an extraordinary opening ceremony at 3:00pm at the Ruins of St. Paul's on 16th December, after which local and foreign participating groups will pass through Rua de S. Paulo, Senado Square, Cathedral Square, and Avenida da Praia Grande, presenting exciting performances at Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van. Finally, the participating groups will arrive at Sai Van Lake Square at 6:30pm to participate in the Handover Celebrations. Huge balloons of various mythological and folklore figures will appear in the sky, while spectacular fireworks will fill the night sky over Macao Tower.

Outstanding art groups create festive atmosphere

This year, the Parade features 76 groups and more than 1700 participants, including 57 local groups and 19 groups from Mainland China, France, Spain, Russia, Colombia, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Argentina, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Hong Kong and Portuguese-speaking countries such as Portugal, Brazil, Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique.

Seeking to expand its scale and extend its reach further into the local community, the Parade will facilitate a total of 24 outreach performances, increasing cultural exchanges with foreign artists amid a festive atmosphere. A series of promotional activities will be launched from 1st December for two consecutive weeks. In order to encourage local art groups to showcase their creativity, the Parade also offers numerous prizes: residents can vote for their favourite participating group. A photography contest, games with prizes and other creative activities will also be launched.

In order to allow more people to enjoy the festivities, TDM - Teledifusão de Macau, S.A. will broadcast the entire event live on outdoor screens installed in Iao Hon Garden, Rotunda Carlos da Maia, Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro and next to Flower City Garden on Rua de Coimbra, Taipa. Meanwhile, popular Hong Kong TVB programme 'Scoop' will feature a foretaste of the event on 14th and 20th December, as well as a Parade Special Programme dedicated to the event's highlights on 22nd December.

On the day of the Parade, crowd control measures will be implemented, with some streets temporarily closed to traffic. The public is thus advised to walk to the Parade venues on foot or use public transportation.

For more information about the Parade, please visit www.icm.gov.mo/macaoparade.