It is the most important and colourful Chinese festival celebrated by the majority of the local population, where shops, offices, factories close for this traditional holiday. During ten days there are a huge number of events celebrating the New Year. The long dragon and lions dance on the streets, crowds visit the temples, lanterns, flowers and entertainment comes alive in the most important squares of the city. It is also a tradition, when people visit and greet each other with two joined hands closed, saying “Kung Hei Fat Choi” and offering “Lai Si” (red pockets) containing money, which is a way to wish good luck and prosperity throughout the year to friends and relatives.
15th day of the First Moon is the Lanterns Festival, being equally the Valentine’s Days in the Chinese tradition. At night, the celebrations continue with colorful lanterns placed around. Small balls of glutinous rice is prepared as dessert, for homophonic reasons and symbolizes the “ribbon of friendship”, “family reunion” or “good luck” for the Chinese.
When: Saturday–Monday, January 25–27, 2020
Where: Senado Square, Largo do Senado, Macau
How much: Free admission
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