Sunday 4^th December is a big day for Macao, with three mega events and festivals embracing sports, culture and tourism elements, transforming Macao into a 'City of Culture and Events'. The route for the 2016 Macao International Marathon will progress from Ponte Governador Nobre de Carvalho – Anim'Arte NAM VAN – A-Ma Temple – Sai Van Bridge. Meanwhile, the theme of this year's Parade through Macao, Latin City revolves around the classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing), whereby traditional mascot VIVA will travel through time to arrive in the mystical world of Shan Hai Jing. The very popular Macao Light Festival illuminates the city on the same day.

The 2016 Macao Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon kicks off from the Taipa Olympic Sports Centre in the early morning of Sunday 4^th December, with marathon and half marathon starting at 6:00am, while a mini marathon will begin at 6:15am. The total number of runners for the three events has increased to 10,000, some 2,000 more than last year, while the total prize money for the marathon and half marathon has been increased to MOP2.16 million. For more information about the Macao International Marathon, please visit: www.macaumarathon.com/en.

'Parade through Macao, Latin City' employs the same motto of 'An Annual Celebration for the Entire City - VIVA' and is themed 'VIVA's Adventures through Shan Hai'. VIVA the mascot will join performing groups from Latin-speaking countries and other foreign regions as well as hundreds of participating locals. The Parade - starting at 4:00pm on Sunday 4^th December from the Ruin of St. Paul's - takes in Rua de S. Paulo, St. Anthony's Square, Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro, Rua dos Artilheiros, Rua de Sanches de Miranda, Calçada da Igreja de S. Lázaro, Santa Casa da Misericórdia Albergue, Rua de São Roque, Rua Nova de São Lázaro, St. Lazarus Square, Rua do Volong, Rua do Tap Siac and Rua de Afonso de Albuquerque, arriving at its final destination at 5:30pm in Tap Siac Square to celebrate the handover in a festive, carnival atmosphere.

This year the Parade also offers an alternative route, with some performing groups departing from Senado Square and marching along Largo de S. Domingos, Rua de S. Domingos, Rua da Palha and Rua de S. Paulo before finally joining the main Parade at the Ruins of St. Paul's. Teledifusão de Macau S.A. (TDM) will broadcast the entire event live and outdoor screens will be installed at several locations – Senado Square, Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, Areia Preta Garden and Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro. For more information, please visit: www.icm.gov.mo/macaoparade/6/en.

The third mega event to take place on 4^th December (ending 31^st December) - 'Macao Light Festival 2016 - Treasure of Light' - embraces eight venues including Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van, Anim'Arte NAM VAN, St. Lawrence's Church, Mandarin's House, Lilau Square, the Moorish Barracks and Barra Square. A new mobile application named 'Treasure of Light' has been launched this year, featuring maps of the covered routes, programme, theme game, the latest information and selfie-taking feature. The content of the App is available in Chinese and English. And can be downloaded by the public for free from App Store or Google Play.