Festivals & Events
Chinese New Year (January/February) and the two days following,
are observed through much of Asia and wherever there are significant concentrations
of Chinese population. It is customary to pay of debts, get new clothes
and clean the house. There is usually a big family meal and sacrifices
are offered to the Gods. Presents of cash are given in red envelopes (the
colour red is considered lucky).
Feast of the God Tou Tei (March): The god of the Earth, Tou Tei
is believed to be everywhere. Thus, the Chinese celebrate this festival
in honour of this god at the Pou Tai Un Temple on Taipa. [Good Friday]
Birthday of Kun Iam (April): Legends abound about this Buddhist
deity, the Goddess of Mercy. She is venerated as a great protector, particularly
of children, from evil. People flock to her temple on her birthday and
on other propitious dates, hoping she will bring them prosperity. Kun
lam is said to have been the daughter of a prince in a Southeast Asian
country, although it is also said she originated in India. She refused
to marry according to her father?'s wishes and fled to China. Enraged,
he tried to kill her but she was saved miraculously each time. When men
were sent to strangle her, a tiger carried her off to heaven, but she
pleaded to return to earth to help those in need.
Chi'ng Ming or Qingming festival (April) on which ancestors are
revered and graves are cleaned, is celebrated on the 3rd minor term in
early April, usually the 5th, though as the 21st century progresses, it
will more often be on the 4th. It is considered unlucky to conduct important
business on this day, or have an operation. It is also believed that unhappy
spirits, especially those with unfinished business, wander the earth at
this time.
Procession of Our Lady of Fatima (May): This procession marks the
Miracle. The procession starts from Macau Cathedral to Penha Chapel. The
miracle occurred in Portugal in 1917 where three child shepherds said
the Virgin Mary had appeared to them.
Tam Kung Festival (May): Tam Kung, the Taoist child god is particularly
venerated by fisher-folk. Worshippers pray for health, wealth, knowledge
and wisdom - and calm seas. Tam Kung had extraordinary powers and was
said to be able to heal the sick and control the weather. A Chinese opera
is staged at Coloane Village where there is a temple dedicated to Tam
Kung.
Feast of the Drunken Dragon (May/June): On the eighth day of the
eighth month of the Lunar calendar an unusual local festival observed
by fishermen and seafarers, called the Feast of the Drunken Dragon starts
at the Kwan Tai Temple near Leal Senado Square. Groups of intoxicated
men dance their way through markets and lanes while brandishing wooden
dragons heads and tails.
Feast of the Bathing of Lord Buddha (May): This is a celebration
of the birthday of Prince Siddhartha, founder of Buddhism and is marked
by devotees bathing his image. Siddhartha was born as a prince, but he
embarked on years of wandering to seek enlightenment.
Dragon Boat (Tun Ng) Festival (June): This annual festival is held
on Nam Van Lakes. The thunder of drums accompanies the annual Dragon Boat
race which commemorates a third-century BC court adviser of great integrity
who drowned himself in protest against a decision by his emperor to go
to war against a neighbouring state. People launched their boats, then
splashed the water with paddles and tossed rice dumplings into the water
so that the fish would not eat his body.
Feast of Hungry Ghosts (August): The Buddhists believe that disturbed
souls are let out of hell to roam the world during the seventh lunar month.
Food is offered to them and incense burned to appease these unhappy and
vindictive spirits. Many offerings and ritual burning of incense can be
seen in public places.
Fireworks Festival (September/October): The largest of its kind
and one of the most important in the world. Experts from different countries
are invited to Macau to compete with spectacles of fireworks set off over
the Nam Van Lake.
Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October): This is one of the biggest
holidays of the year and has many legends attached to it. It is believed
that the roundest and brightest moon of the year is at this time of the
year, symbolising completeness and therefore is an ideal time for Chinese
families to meet. Families set up candles and colourful lanterns, as well
as enjoy Moon Cakes.
Public holidays
· 1 January: New Year's Day
· 25 April: Anniversary of the Portuguese Revolution
· 1 May: Labour Day
· 10 June: Camoes Day and Portuguese Communities Day
· 24 June: Feast of St John the Baptist
· 1 October: National Day of PR China
· 5 October: Portuguese Republic Day
· 2 November: All Souls Day
· 1 December: Restoration of Independence
· 8 December: Immaculate Conception
· 25 December: Christmas Day |