Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) will hold the grand outdoor Chinese New Year celebrations namely "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" on the 3rd and 7th day of Lunar New Year, with programs including float parade, 1,000-artists performance, fireworks display and float exhibition, etc. to celebrate the joy of Lunar New Year together with citizens and visitors. MGTO held a press conference today (January 31) introducing the event preparation details. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Administration Committee member of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), Ma Kam Keong and Head of Cultural Events Department in Cultural Affairs Bureau (ICM), Ieong Chi Kin were present today. During the conference, Director Fernandes expressed that the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" will take place at Macau Central District and Northern District on the 3rd and 7th night of Lunar New Year respectively. Close to 1,000 artists will participate in the performance highlighted by fireworks display on the 3rd day of Lunar New Year. The parade floats will be showcased at Sai Van Lake Square and Tap Seac Square. It is anticipated that the event will boost the charm and festive ambience of Macau and divert visitors into different districts through a variety of activities in accord with the Development Plan for Community Tourism. MGTO, IACM and ICM are the organizers of the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" while The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District is the supporting entity. The major programs will take place at night on the 3rd and 7th day of Lunar New Year. The highlights include a launch ceremony, float parade, 1,000-artists performance, stage show, fireworks display and float exhibition. The launch ceremony of the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" will take place on Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van at 8 p.m. on the 3rd day of Lunar New Year, whereas another parade's launch ceremony will take place on Avenida do Conselheiro Borja at 8 p.m. on the 7th day of Lunar New Year. 10 floats will take part in the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" on the 3rd day of Lunar New Year. Besides, 28 local associations will arrange nearly 1,000 artists to perform along the parade. The parade will commence from Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van, pass through Avenida Dr. Stanley Ho and reach the destination at Sai Van Lake Square. There will be stage performance at Sai Van Lake Square at 9 p.m. on the day. Upon the parade's arrival at the square, part of the performing teams will stage their performance as well, followed by Fireworks display at 10 p.m. Lighting devices and icicle lights will be installed along the parade route, while curtain lights and meteor lights will be set up at the starting and finishing points. In addition, MGTO will install LED screens at Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van and live broadcast the parade through the LED screens at Rua de Pedro Nolasco da Silva and Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre so that audience can enjoy the whole spectacular show of the parade. Simultaneously, Teledifusão de Macau, S.A. (TDM) and Macau Cable TV will live broadcast the parade while the latter will also record the show for subsequent broadcast. Over 340 staff and nearly 230 volunteers will participate in the event. Similarly, 10 floats will take part in the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" on the 7th day of Lunar New Year. The parade will set off from Avenida do Conselheiro Borja and finish at Rua do Mercado de Iao Hon. Stage performance will be scheduled in Iao Hon Market Garden. The 10 floats joining the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" will be showcased at Sai Van Lake Square and Tap Seac Square respectively during February 12 – 24. The floats' lighting device will be on from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. during the above period. MGTO has begun the related promotion for the parade among citizens and visitors by television/radio, internet, commercials, printed materials, press, posters, leaflets, advertising boards and light boxes. MGTO will also participate in the Lantern Festival celebrations organized by IACM at Tap Seac Square on the 15th of the first lunar month, including float exhibition and artistic performance. In addition, MGTO will join hands with IACM again to co-organize the Lunar New Year celebrations on the 1st and 2nd day of Lunar New Year. Spring Festival celebrations will be held at the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square on the 1st day of Lunar New Year. A 238-meter-long golden dragon will lead a parade across major tourist spots and enrich the festive atmosphere whilst demonstrating the traditional culture of Chinese New Year. MGTO will also distribute "Lai Si" to visitors during Lunar New Year by tradition and share the delight of Spring Festival with Macau citizens and visitors.
