The ‘Parade through Macao, Latin City’, celebrating the 17th anniversary of Macao’s handover to China, will be held under the motto “An Annual Celebration for the Entire City – VIVA” and themed “VIVA’s Adventures through Shan Hai”. VIVA will travel through a time gate and set off to the mysterious land of the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing), kicking off a fantastic adventure and taking part in the “Peace, Love and Cultural Integration” party, celebrating the handover together.
Set off on a fantastic adventure through a new route
This year the Parade takes the Classic of Mountains and Seas as its background. VIVA travels through extraordinary mountains and rivers, where he meets bizarre beasts that tell him amusing stories along the way. On the day of the Parade, VIVA crosses the time gate at 4pm at Largo da Companhia de Jesus, taking off from the Ruins of St. Paul’s, together with performing groups from Latin-speaking countries and other foreign regions as well as hundreds of local talents, on a journey that goes through Rua de S. Paulo, St. Anthony’s Square, Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro, Rua dos Artilheiros, Rua de Sanches de Miranda, Calçada da Igreja de S. Lázaro, Santa Casa da Misericórdia Albergue, Rua de São Roque, Rua Nova de São Lázaro, St. Lazarus Square, Rua do Volong, Rua do Tap Siac and Rua de Afonso de Albuquerque, arriving at its final destination at 5:30pm at Tap Siac Square to celebrate the handover in a festive and carnival atmosphere. Additionally, this year the Parade offers an alternative route: some performing groups will depart from Senado Square and march through Largo de S. Domingos, Rua de S. Domingos, Rua da Palha and Rua de S. Paulo, finally joining the remainder of the parade at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, thereby inviting even more participants to take part in the celebration of the handover.
The Classic of Mountains and Seas is a popular Chinese ancient classic that records the geography of ancient times, the deities and beasts and bizarre myths, and is known as China’s oldest “encyclopaedia”. In his adventure, VIVA comes across numerous interesting friends.
Additional activities contribute to the Parade’s festive atmosphere
A series of activities will be rolled out in conjunction with the Parade, including rehearsals throughout the city, which offer a glimpse of the event. Before the Parade kicks off on 4 December, several mysterious creatures with painted faces will pop up along the route to colour the faces of the public. In addition, workshops, a photography contest and social media games with prizes will be progressively announced and open to the public’s participation.
When: 4pm – 5:30pm, Sunday, December 4
Where: Through the old city
How much: Free
