Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) will present a grand outdoor event for Chinese New Year titled 'Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Monkey', on the third day (10^th February) and sixth day (13^th February) of the Lunar New Year. The Parade - organized by MGTO and co-organized by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Cultural Affairs Bureau and Macao Sports Bureau - is also supported by China National Tourism Administration as one of the sponsoring entities. In addition to the annual parade of floats - later on public display for colourful photo opportunities - over 1,000 performers will attend the spectacle, with fireworks and a multimedia show announcing the start of the Parade for the first time.

The Parade recounts the tale of the Jade Emperor wishing to visit Earth for a fun vacation with his Celestial Court during Chinese New Year. Upon learning that Macao hosts an annual float parade during this festive period he commands the Monkey King to visit Macao in advance to plan an exciting trip... A corresponding show will be a major feature of the Parade opening, a spectacular new highlight not to be missed.

The Parade - featuring the four major themes of 'Fortune Stars to the World'; 'Great Treasures on their Way'; 'Rhythm of Lucky Blessings' and 'Prosperity & Success fills the Year' - has inspired 14 floats and 28 local groups as well as nine performance groups from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Portugal, Spain and the United States, involving a stunning 1,338 performers!

On the third day of Lunar New Year, the Parade will start with a launch ceremony in front of the Macao Science Centre at 7:30pm from whence it will wend its way through Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen to Sai Van Lake Square in front of Macau Tower. Stage performances will commence at 8:45pm, with part of the Parade procession joining the stage performance upon arrival at Sai Van Lake Square as well - followed by a spectacular fireworks show at 9:45pm.

On the night, MGTO will broadcast the Parade live on LED screens at nine locations around the city - at Friendship Square, Macao Science Centre Roundabout, Iao Hon Market Garden, Park of Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van, Tap Seac Square, Largo dos Bombeiros, Rua de Pedro Nolasco da Silva and Macau Tower - so that spectators can enjoy the whole spectacle. At the same time, TDM and Macao Cable TV will broadcast the Parade live and record the show for subsequent broadcast. A special programme about the Parade will also be broadcast on TVB Jade channel and High Definition Jade channel in Hong Kong at 10:30pm on 13^th February and at 11:00am on 14^th February. In addition, TVB Satellite TV will broadcast the programme to different places around the world, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe at different times from 14^th to 20^th February.

On the sixth day of Lunar New Year, the Parade will feature 14 floats as well and start following a ceremony at Rua Norte do Patane at 8:00pm, with the procession passing through Avenida do Conselheiro Borja, Estrada do Arco and Rua Quatro do Bairro da Areia Preta before finishing at Iao Hon Market Garden, where there will also be a stage performance.

The 14 floats in the Parade will be showcased at Sai Van Lake Square and Tap Seac Square from 10^th to 13^th February and 13^th to 21^st February, respectively. Illuminated to allow photo opportunities for local residents and visitors from 6:00pm to 10:00pm during the above periods (adjusted time intervals on 10^th 13^th and 21^st February) the floats unfailingly make dramatic, colourful backdrops, so be sure to get the Monkey in your sights for some great memories!

For more details of the Chinese New Year Parade, please visit the MGTO industry website:
http://industry.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/pressroom/index.php?page_id=172&id=2784#.VptEDip96PQ