MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, President of Macao Sports Bureau, José Tavares, and Head of Department for the Development of the Performing Arts of Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), Kent Ieong Chi Kin, officiated the kick-off ceremony together with other guests at Rua Norte do Patane.
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) held the “Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Monkey” at Macao’s Northern District on 13 February. Livening up the district with festive joy, the Parade attracted large crowds of local residents and visitors. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, President of Macao Sports Bureau, José Tavares, and Head of Department for the Development of the Performing Arts of Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), Kent Ieong Chi Kin, officiated the kick-off ceremony together with other guests at Rua Norte do Patane.
Featuring 14 floats in total, the Parade began at Rua Norte do Patane. The parading procession then marched through Avenida do Conselheiro Borja, Estrada do Arco, Estrada da Areia Preta, Avenida de Venceslau de Morais, Rua Quatro do Bairro da Areia Preta, Avenida da Longevidade and Rua do Mercado de Iao Hon until the finishing point at Iao Hon Market Garden. At the starting and finishing points, MGTO gave away small presents such as monkey mascots and hats, illuminated wrist bands and flashlight clappers, which went widely popular among the audience. Stage performances started in Iao Hon Market Garden at 8:15 p.m, featuring local singers Filipe Tou, Alan Tse, Ken Sou, Kevin Cheng, Viviana Lo, Elisa Chan, Ring Hun and Kayaku Sou. The event was culminated with the finale performance presented by Hong Kong artist Vincent Wong. The response from the public was overwhelming and the stage performances came to an end at 9:30 p.m.
After the parade, the 14 floats are showcased at Tap Seac Square until 6 p.m. on 21 February (the 14th day of Lunar New Year). The floats are dazzling with illuminations to allow photo opportunities for local residents and visitors from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. between 14 and 20 February.
Popular stage performances at Iao Hon Market Garden
MGTO is actively promoting community tourism development while making great efforts to develop diversity of tourism products. Following the mega outdoor celebrations rolled out at the heart of the Macao Peninsula on the first day of Lunar New year and the first Parade on the third day, MGTO specially arranged the float parade at Macao’s Northern District, encouraging visitors to explore different neighborhoods and experience Macao in different ways.
Besides the float parade which fills the town with festive vibe, with Valentine’s Day coming on this Chinese New Year, MGTO specially presents “Valentine’s Day Fantasia 2016 – The Fairytale of Lights” at the Taipa Houses-Museum area and numerous attractions nearby in Taipa from 7 to 29 February, offering a fascinating choice of leisure and entertainment for local residents and visitors. The 3D mapping show themed as “Cinderella’s Glass Slipper” will radiate romantic sparks from 12 to 22 February and let the warm ambience go on throughout this festive season.
In addition, MGTO rolls out a prize-redemption game named “Macao Hunt” on WeChat from 1 to 28 February, guiding local residents and visitors to look out for golden monkeys along four designated walking tour routes under the theme “Step Out, Experience Macao’s Communities”, for a chance to win electronic coupons from merchants and enter a lucky draw. The game is launched to further enhance the charm of community tourism.
Photo caption: Guests kick off the Parade at Macao’s Northern District
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