Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym), the “2018 Macao International Parade”, celebrating the 19th Anniversary of Macao’s handover to China, was held on Sunday, 16 December. Based on the concept of cultural encounter between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, over 1700 participants paraded from the Ruins of St. Paul’s to the Sai Van Lake Square, dancing along the way and offering spectacular and charming large art installations. All residents and tourists enjoyed in this feast of “Love, Peace and Cultural Integration”, celebrating the handover together.
This year, it attracted over 150,000 spectators, including those who participated in the Parade, those who watched the live broadcast on television, and those who watched the live broadcast on outdoor screens at various districts and on new media platforms, including the mobile and Weibo application of CCTV-NEWS, Weibo application of CGTN, the Parade’s page on Facebook and TDM’s multimedia platform (including TDM’s website, mobile application, Facebook and Wechat), among others, celebrating the Handover together.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Alexis Tam Chon Weng; the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao S.A.R., Xue Xiaofeng; the Deputy Consul General of Malaysia in Hong Kong, Grace Rebekah Teh; the Vice Consul General of Brazil in Hong Kong, Rafael Rodrigues Paulino; the Representative of the Consulate-General of Portugal in Macau and Hong Kong, Joaquim Coelho Ramos; the Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Ip Peng Kin; the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Mok Ian Ian; the Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; the Acting President of the Sport Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Lam Lin Kio; the Deputy Director of the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Kong Chi Meng; and the Deputy Commissioner of the Fire Services Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government, Chao Ka Cheong.
The “2018 Macao International Parade” adopts the same route as last year. Based on the concept of cultural encounter between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and associated with the classic myths and folklore of China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, the Parade presents a culturally rich Handover celebration, highlighting Macao’s unique position as an important hub between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. The Parade kicked off with an extraordinary opening ceremony at the Ruins of St. Paul’s at 3pm. Eight children dressed with the costume of the Parade’s mascot VIVA and presented a dance performance with various artistic groups, leading all participating groups to carry out “VIVA Mission: Unveil the Secret Order”, seeking all the magical power. The participating groups passed through Rua de S. Paulo, Senado Square, Cathedral Square, and Avenida da Praia Grande, offering excellent closing performances at Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van. Finally, they arrived at the Sai Van Lake Square at 6:30pm to participate in the Handover Celebration. There were creative performances closely related to the theme of this year’s Parade, as well as an artistic parade that was presented according to the group’s own artistic characteristics. Based on the theme of the mythology and folklore from China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, various participating groups presented totems and mascots which embodied the cultural origins and essence of countries and regions, showing the ancient myths and folklore. Face painting, vocal performances, dance performances and jazz improvisations, among others, were available at various locations along the route. The enthusiastic participating groups interacted with the audience closely, spreading the joyful atmosphere of the Parade.
The “Macao International Parade”, now in its eighth edition, is one of the major events celebrating Macao’s Handover to China. In tandem with the Arts and Cultural Festival between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, and the Lusofonia Festival, among others, this year’s Parade is aimed at introducing a new cultural collaboration between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. This year the Parade features 76 groups in a total of over 1,700 participants, including 57 local groups and 19 groups from Mainland China, France, Spain, Russia, Columbia, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Argentina, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Hong Kong and Portuguese-speaking countries such as Portugal, Brazil, Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique.
Seeking to expand its scale and extend its reach further into the local community, the Parade held a total of 23 outreach performances. Foreign art groups were invited to host community workshops and to offer performances in campuses from late November, increasing the cultural exchanges with foreign artists and creating a festive atmosphere in the community. A series of promotional activities were launched from 1 December for two consecutive weeks, which were well received by the public and attracted nearly 30,000 participants. In order to encourage local art groups to showcase their creativity, the Parade also featured numerous prizes. Residents voted for their favourite participating group. The Parade also featured a series of activities celebrating the handover with joy. The Parade launched the promotional game “MOMEplay Prizes” through its official WeChat account, which were well received by the public and attracted nearly 70,000 participants. The organizer continued to hold a photography contest, inviting residents to participate and capture the event’s highlights.
The Parade has become one of the city’s trademark events since its first edition in 2011. The event is organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and co-organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office, the Sports Bureau, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the Public Security Police Force, the Transport Bureau, the Fire Services Bureau and the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, supported by the Macao General Union of Neighbourhood Associations and Air Macau Co., Ltd. TDM - Teledifusão de Macau S.A. is the designated live television broadcaster, and Macau Coca-Cola Beverage Co., Ltd. is the designated beverage company. The Cultural Affairs Bureau also receives the support from the Galaxy Entertainment Group, MGM MACAU, AJ Hackett, TurboJET, Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre, Grand Lisboa Hotel, Macau Cruise, New Yaohan, Macau Yeng Kee Bakery and Tealosophy Tea Bar.