“Parade for the Celebration of the Year of Ram” held splendidly

The grand outdoor Lunar New Year festivities — "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of Ram" was held tonight (21 February). Celebrating the festive joy with locals and visitors, the event featured parade floats and local display, performances by over 1,000 performers, fireworks show as well as performances presented by famous Hong Kong and Macau singers. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government, Alexis, Tam Chon Weng; Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; Administration Committee member of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), Ma Kam Keong; President of Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), Ung Vai Meng; President of Macao Sport Development Board (MSDB), José Tavares and Deputy Director of Asia Tourism Exchange Center Ltd. of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), Ma Jie officiated the opening ceremony along with other guests at the front square of Macau Science Center at 8 p.m. Well-known Hong Kong singer Miriam Yeung gave a performance while Hong Kong artist Johnson Lee was the host of the night, adding much joy and festive vibe to the event. The theme of the parade this year is "Adorn the City with Opulence and Joy". There were a total of 14 floats joining the parade along with 25 local groups and 9 performing groups from the Mainland; Korea; Hong Kong; Italy; Japan; Malaysia; Portugal; Thailand and Taiwan, China respectively. The number of performers totaled 1,288. There were three performance themes namely "Rejoice into the New Year", "Blessings of Prosperity" and "Blooming into Brilliance". The floats and performing groups marched along Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in Macau until the destination at Sai Van Lake Square before Macau Tower. A giant blooming golden lotus adorns the main part of MGTO's float, with a turning pinwheel at the middle and many small floral decorations on both sides of the float. The design symbolizes Macau's flourishing development in every area and prosperous business for all industries. It also conveys the best wishes that visitors and Macau citizens can enjoy prosperity, happiness and reunion with families. IACM's float, on the other hand, brings out the theme of colorful carnival. Its main design features the Chinese Zodiac character Ram holding firecrackers in hand. The design of IC's float is about celebrating the 10th anniversary since the Historic Centre of Macau was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, whereas MSDB's float is designed to boost the joyful ambience with its bright red hue, traditional Chinese carving patterns and pictures of Ram. As for CNTA's float, the theme is "Beautiful China 2015 – Year of Silk Road Tourism". Other float sponsors include Galaxy Entertainment Group, Suncity Group, Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao, Zhuhai Chimelong International Ocean Resort, City of Dreams, MGM Macau, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A., Wynn Macau and Exmoo News. Cotai Water Jet, Tung Cheng Yuen Buddhist Association and Shun Tak – China Travel Ship Management Limited: TurboJET sponsored the artistic performances. Other sponsoring entities include Coca-Cola. Stage performances began at Sai Van Lake Square at 8:15 p.m. tonight, starring local singers Rico Long, Priscilla Chao, Viviana Lo, Ken Sou, Vivian Chan, Sean Pang and Terence Chui. Part of the performing teams joined the stage performance as well after the parade arrived at Sai Van Lake Square, followed by the finale performance presented by famous Hong Kong singer Andy Hui. At 11 p.m. a myriad of fireworks dazzled the sky and culminated the night with joyful vibe. MGTO operated eight free shuttle bus routes between the event venues and different points on Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane. To liven up the spectators' spirit, MGTO gave out small souvenirs along the parade route. In addition, the parade was live broadcasted on TV channels and LED screens installed at nine locations around town so that people can enjoy the festive celebrations in different local districts and Macau's neighboring regions. To encourage local citizens to participate in the event, MGTO hosts a mobile text message game once again for locals to choose "My Favorite Local Performing Team" on the third night of Lunar New Year. Those who have voted for the winning team are eligible for a lucky draw with a chance to win prizes. Moreover, the new "Interactive Wechat Game – Lucky Puzzle Draw" and "Wechat Message Wall" are launched this year to widen the coverage of the activity. On the tenth day of Lunar New Year, the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of Ram" will again feature 14 floats. A kick-off ceremony will be held at Rua Norte do Patane at 8 p.m. The Parade will pass through Avenida do Conselheiro Borja and adjourn at Iao Hon Market Garden. Acclaimed Hong Kong singer Stephy Tang and local singers will liven up the evening with a series of wonderful performances for visitors and local residents. The 14 floats in the Parade are showcased at Sai Van Lake Square and Tap Seac Square during 21 – 28 February and 28 February – 8 March respectively. The floats will be brightened up with illuminations to allow photo opportunities for locals and visitors from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. from 22 February until 7 March.