As Malaysians, we’re no strangers to cultural or traditional events and festivals. However, the festivals and celebrations we experience here are completely different to the ones in other parts of the world, namely Macao. There are many events, celebrations and/or festivals Macao has that isn’t celebrated here, but you should definitely experience them at least once.
Here’s a list of unique events and festivals celebrated in Macao to definitely check out during your next holiday:
1. 17th Macao Food Festival
Calling all food lovers!
If you enjoy stuffing your face and you’re passionate about food, this is the place to be! This festival brings you amazing delicacies from all over Asia, Mainland China and even Europe!
There will also be game booths, live performances and a beer competition during the festival!
It’s like an amusement park, but with food, glorious food!
Date: 10 – 26 Nov
Location: Sai Van Lake Square
2. Parade through Macao, Latin City
Are you one for bizarre and supernatural creatures and stories?
Well then, celebrate Macao’s 18th Anniversary of their handover to China. Learn about popular Chinese ancient classics that record the geography of ancient times, the beasts and deities as well as bizarre myths.
Date and location to be confirmed.
3. Macao Light Festival
During the 2016 Light Festival, awesome, jaw-dropping light installations, mapping projections, interactive games as well as a music and light show were showcased at various locations around Macao.
This year, you can expect an even more remarkable blend of technology and innovation, plus, have a fun and memorable time interacting with some of the light displays.
Date: 3 – 31 Dec
4. 29th Macao International Fireworks Display Contest
If there’s one thing we enjoy about celebrations in Malaysia, is the fireworks display that comes along with it. Who doesn’t enjoy watching colourful explosions in the night sky?
Over the years, more than 100 outstanding teams from all over the world have been competing at Macao’s International Fireworks Display Contest to see who can offer the best, most creative, most spectacular fireworks display people have ever seen.
Some of the countries that will be participating at this year’s contest include Australia, Austria, UK, France, Japan, Philippines, Germany, Italy, Portugal and even China!
It would make a pretty romantic date/honeymoon destination, if you ask us. 😉
Date: 2, 9, 16, 23 Sept and 1 Oct
Location: Sea Area in front of Macao Tower
5. 31st Macao International Music Festival
This is the place to be if you love all things music!
Birthed in 1987, this Music Festival will enchant you like none other. Bringing you masterpieces and works of ethnic appeal presented by virtuosi from home and abroad. Fully savour the beauty of Macao and other parts of the world, including Russia, America and many others through music.
Date: October
Location: To be confirmed
6. Suncity Group 64th Macau Grand Prix
Do you live life on the fast lane? If you’re passionate about race cars, then this is definitely your kind of holiday destination!
Source: Macau Grand Prix
Introduced in 1976, this motor-racing event is held annually in Macao and is known to be the only street circuit racing event in which both car and motorcycle races are held.
Source: Macau Grand Prix
Date: 16 – 19 Nov
Location: The Guia Circuit
7. Macao International Marathon
This is for all you runners out there! First hosted in 1981, the Macao International Marathon is open to all local and international long distance runners. The full course includes running through Coloane, Peninsula and Taipa while the Half-Marathon and Mini-Marathons are meant to attract not just professionals but amateur runners from all around the world as well!
Source: Macao Marathon
So if you enjoy running just as much as we enjoy running (away from our responsibilities), this is the place to be!
Date: 3 Dec
8. 2nd International Film Festival & Awards • Macao
Are you a movie buff, or an aspiring filmmaker? Then you may just want to check out the 2nd International Film Festival & Awards • Macao.
Source: IFFA Macao
What makes this Film Festival so unique is that it focuses primarily on first and second-time filmmakers in order to draw attention to their remarkable work. The organisation in charge hopes to create industry programs to support and encourage more features by up and coming filmmakers as well.
Definitely a place to be for all you aspiring filmmakers looking for inspiration.
Date: 8 – 14 Dec
Location: To be confirmed
9. Wushu Masters Challenge
Not for the faint of heart; watch as the world’s greatest Wushu masters battle it out and show off their skills at Macao’s Wushu Masters Challenge. Learn about traditional martial arts and prepare to be amazed by the amazing charms and culture of Macao.
The three main Wushu categories you can expect to see are the Lion Dance, Taolu and Sanda, which combines the elements of sports, tourism and culture.
Date: 10 – 13 Aug 2017
Location: Several venues in Macao, including the Tap Seac Multi-sports Pavilion, Olympic Sports Centre Indoor Pavilion, Tap Seac Square and Friendship Square.
Well, what are you waiting for? Time to search up some flights and make Macao your next holiday destination with friends and family!
What’s that? You need more information? Fret not! Macao Tourism will be holding an Experience Macao & Macao Mega Sale roadshow around Malaysia soon! You can learn more about this beautiful place and plan your next holiday!
Locations and dates for the roadshows are as follows-
PENANG
Gurney Plaza, 27-30 July 2017
IPOH
Ipoh Parade, 3-6 August 2017
KUCHING
The Spring Shopping Mall, 11-13 August 2017
KOTA KINABALU
Imago Shopping Mall, 18-20 August 2017
Additionally, apart from the events and festivals listed above, you can even make plans to visit Taipa Village.
This dynamic leisure destination is infused with niche shopping, diversified entertainment, innovative dining and many heritage attractions. A must-see for all tourists!
Delay your holiday no more. Start applying for leave and be sure to visit the Experience Macao & Macao Mega Sale roadshow and plan an unforgettable holiday with loved ones!
Find out more about the roadshow here.