Festive Celebrations for Three Chinese Feasts

A truly multicultural city, Macao celebrates three traditional festivals on 22^nd May; namely, the fishing industry's Feast of the Drunken Dragon, Tam Kong Festival and the Feast of Buddha, displaying the rich cultural connotations of Macao to residents and visitors from all around the world.

The Feast of the Drunken Dragon is a uniquely Macao tradition venerated by members of the local fishing industry. 'Dragon Boat Longevity Rice', symbolising good fortune and health, is freely distributed during the Feast to deserving recipients in front of the Red Market, Iao Hon Market, and Sam Kai Vui Kun, with visitors and residents welcome to participate in the celebrations to bring joy and luck back home. Another highlight of the event is the Drunken Dragon and Lion Dance Parade which starts in Senado Square and winds its boisterous way to various districts on the Macao Peninsula. A Cantonese Opera will be performed in front of Sam Kai Vui Kun on 20^th and 21^st May.

Tam Kong Festival, another revered folk festival, celebrates the legendary Tam Kong, who quelled a plague in Coloane, and is celebrated by residents of Coloane with the Parade of Tam Kong Festival, in which some 30 performing teams featuring float parade, dragon and lion dances, Portuguese folk dancing and juggling, make their way to Tam Kong Temple in Coloane to pray for good fortune. From 21^st to 25^th May, a Cantonese Opera for Tam Kong will be staged on the waterfront of Tam Kong Temple Square, attracting hundreds to the historic village.

This year, The Feast of Buddha - also known as Feast of the Bathing of Lord Buddha - marks the 2562^nd birthday of the Buddha, and will be celebrated by the Buddhist Association of Macau with Buddha-bathing rituals and game booths in Senado Square on 22^nd May.