The Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. will hold the "Parade through Macao, Latin City" in commemoration of the 14th Anniversary of Macao's Handover to China on December 20th, the day marking the establishment of the Macao S.A.R. The Parade is once again held under the slogans "Peace, Love and Cultural Integration" and "An annual celebration for the entire city – VIVA!", and this year is themed "The Rhythm of Life", hoping to attract even more residents and tourists and inviting them to dig deep into the diverse cultural atmosphere of Macao. A press conference to present this year's Parade took place on November 19, at the Tourism Activities Centre. Present were the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Dr. Ung Vai Meng; the Vice-President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Dr. Leong Hio Ming; the President of the Board of the Macao Association for the Promotion of Exchange between Asia-Pacific and Latin America, Mr. Gary Ngai; the Chief of the Cultural Affairs Department, Mr. Ieong Chi Kin; and the Chief of the Special Projects Division, substitute, Ms. Chris Tang, as well as representatives of the local participating groups. Last year's parade took the Region by storm, attracting an aggregate viewership of several million including the audience present at the parade, those who watched the live televised broadcast and the simulcast on outdoor screens at various locations, plus those who tuned in to the special Parade programme on TV. The "Parade through Macao, Latin City" is organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and is co-organised by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the Macao Government Tourist Office, the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau of Macao, the Public Security Police Force, the Transport Bureau, the Fire Services Bureau, the Social Welfare Bureau and the Macao Association for the Promotion of Exchange between Asia-Pacific and Latin America. It is also supported by various organisations, including the Macao General Union of Neighbourhood Associations, the Macao Sam Pa Mun Residents Mutual Aid Association, the Macao Soi Ho Cheok Residents Mutual Aid Association, as well as VIVA Ambassadors supporters, namely the Scout Association of Macao, the Macao Community Youth Volunteers Development Association, the Association of Social Service Volunteers Macao, the General Volunteers Association of Macao and the Recreation Club of the Bank of China, Macao Branch. This edition is also fully supported by Air Macao Co, Ltd. In addition, TDM (Teledifusão de Macau, S.A.) is serving as the designated television broadcaster. Artists bring the Ruins of St. Paul's to life; "Peace, Love and Cultural Integration" at the grand finale at Tap Seac Square The opening ceremony takes place at 3.30pm in front of the Ruins of St. Paul's, where a wondrous journey of revival kicks off. Artists from around the world raise the curtain on a series of fascinating shows, spreading joy all over the city. The Parade route will be the same as last year's, beginning on Rua de S. Paulo and winding its way past St. Anthony's Church, Companhia de Jesus Square, Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro, Rua dos Artilheiros, Rua de Sanches de Miranda, Calçada da Igreja de São Lázaro, the Old Ladies' House (Albergue), Rua de São Roque, Rua Nova de São Lázaro, St. Lazarus Church, Rua do Volong, Rua do Tap Seac and Rua de Afonso de Albuquerque, culminating in a grand joint performance at Tap Seac Square, at 6pm. Residents and tourists can contribute to this day's joyous ambience by joining and following the parade at any point on the route. This year's Parade embraces performing groups from over 10 countries and regions including Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Burkina Faso, among others, as well as Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China. This extravaganza includes performances by PIA – Projectos de Intervenção Artística from Portugal, French group Les Grandes Personnes, Hong Kong Youth Marching Band, the Peruvian Teatro del Milenio, Italian Flag Wavers and Be Fantasy Bubble Arts from Taiwan. Joining them in the Parade are 50 local groups, bringing the total estimate of performers to an amazing 2,000 creative participants. Cultural diversity culminates with grand joint performance at Tap Seac Square This year's parade features shows for all ages and tastes, welcoming the audience at any point on the route. The Rua de S. Paulo this year hosts humorous Mime Shows that will break the barrier between the stage and the audience. An Enchanted Dance Floor will take over St. Anthony's Square, where Latin and belly dance with join Chinese folk dances, while pure voices and bells spread Enchanting Sounds through the Companhia de Jesus Square reminding the audience of traditional nursery rhymes. Pátio do Espinho witnesses an exciting Street Dance Game while the Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro will be filled with western and eastern Lingering Melodies. Portuguese Folk Dance and Music brings Portuguese flavours to Rua de Sanches de Miranda. The peaceful Old Ladies' House comes to life amid a Wonderland of Dance and Creative Giants invade the Rua Nova de São Lázaro. Finally, artists performing Stunts on Stilts welcome the parade to Tap Seac Square, where artists and audience come together for the Grand Finale "Peace, Love and Cultural Integration", which brings the event to a close with hypnotising performances. Related Events and Enquiries To promote this extravaganza far and wide and create a joyous ambience throughout the entire city, TDM will broadcast the event live. Furthermore, the Cultural Affairs Bureau will install outdoor screens at several locations – St. Dominic's Square, Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, Iao Hon Garden, Avenida do Infante D. Henrique (near Hotel Sintra) and Travessa de S. Paulo (Tourism and Cultural Activities Centre) – displaying a live simulcast from 3 to 7pm on December 20th. The organiser is also holding a series of related events in parallel, including a photography contest and a Facebook lucky draw. Hong Kong's TVB will also cover the Parade: the event will be featured on the programme 'Scoop', on Parade day, from 7.30 to 8pm, as well as on a Parade Special Programme, to be broadcast on December 25, from 7 to 7.30pm. Streets along the parade route will be temporarily closed to traffic on the parade day, and first-aid stations and souvenir and information service centres will be available along the route. Crowd entry and exit control mechanisms will be installed at the Ruins of St. Paul's and Tap Seac Square at 2.30 and 4.30pm, respectively. For convenience and environmental health, residents are encouraged to walk to the parade venues on foot or use public transportation. For more details about the event and its contents, please visit the Bureau's website at www.icm.gov.mo/macaoparade or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/macaoparade.
