“Parade for the Celebration of the Year of Ram” livens up Macau Northern District with festive joy

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) held the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of Ram" at Macau Northern District tonight (28 February) to boost the festive ambience in town for locals and visitors. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; Head of Department of Cultural Activities and Recreation of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), Choi Chi Hong; President of Macao Sport Development Board (MSDB), José Tavares; Head of Cultural Events Department of Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), Kent Ieong Chi Kin; MGTO Deputy Directors Cecilia Tse and Cheng Wai Tong officiated the kick-off ceremony together with other guests at Rua Norte do Patane at 8 p.m. tonight. A total of 14 floats joined the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of Ram". They set off from Rua Norte do Patane and passed 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 their destination at Iao Hon Market Garden. Along the parade route, MGTO gave out small souvenirs gladly welcomed by the spectators. Fantastic stage performances started in Iao Hon Market Garden at 8 p.m, featuring local singers Rico Long, Priscilla Chao, Viviana Lo, Kevin Cheng, Vivian Chan, Sean Pang and Terence Chui. Famous Hong Kong singer Stephy Tang presented the finale performance for the parade. The evening show attracted large crowds of local and visiting spectators. After the parade, the 14 floats are showcased at Tap Seac Square until 8 March (the 18th day of the first month in lunar calendar). The floats will be brightened with illuminations from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. from 1 – 7 March. MGTO is actively promoting community tourism development while making great efforts to organize different events including the grand outdoor celebrations for Lunar New Year. MGTO held the float parade again at Macau Northern District following the first parade on the third day of Lunar New Year, hoping to encourage visitors to explore different neighborhoods for their local color.