Macau welcomes the Year of the Horse with a wide-ranging programme of cultural events, parades, performances and community initiatives promoted by the Macao Government Tourism Office, in collaboration with several public departments and local partners. The programme runs from 13 February to 8 March, spanning Macau Peninsula, Taipa and the ZAPE district.
Drones and fireworks displays
Three sessions of the 2026 Chinese New Year Drones and Fireworks Displays will take place along the waterfront in front of Macau Tower. The shows are scheduled for 9:45 p.m. on the 3rd day of Chinese New Year (19 February), and 9:00 p.m. on the 7th and 15th days (23 February and 3 March), each lasting approximately 15 minutes. For the first time, the displays combine fireworks with 3,888 drones, accompanied by music and laser effects.
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Six recommended vantage points are available: Anim’Arte NAM VAN; Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen between Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre and the Kun Iam Statue Waterfront Leisure Area; Avenida de Sagres next to Mandarin Oriental, Macau; the waterfront at Macao Science Center; Caminho Marginal do Lago beside YOHO Treasure Island Hotel; and Avenida do Oceano in Taipa.
Golden Dragon Parade and community roadshows
The 2026 Chinese New Year Activities also include the Golden Dragon Parade and itinerant performances on the 1st and 2nd days of Chinese New Year (17 and 18 February).
Highlights include the Gigantic Golden Dragon Parade from the Ruins of St. Paul’s through Senado Square to A-Ma Temple, alongside roadshows at major attractions such as Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, the Macao Grand Prix Museum, the Taipa Houses Museum, Largo Eduardo Marques in Coloane, and the Rua de Cantão/Rua de Xangai area in ZAPE. Performance troups are joined by auspicious mascots and Macao’s tourism mascot MAK MAK, encouraging visitors to explore different neighbourhoods.
Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Horse
The first parade takes place on 19 February, starting at 8:00 p.m. at Sai Van Lake Square, proceeding along Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen and past Macao Science Center, before concluding at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf. The programme includes cultural performances, live music, as well as drone and fireworks displays.
Over 4,200 spectator seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at five seating stands located at Sai Van Lake Square, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the front square of Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, the roundabout in front of Macao Science Center, and Macau Fisherman’s Wharf.
The second parade is scheduled for 28 February at 8:00 p.m. in the northern district, following a route from Rua Norte do Patane to Iao Hon Market Garden, where a closing performance begins at 8:15 p.m.
Float exhibition
The 17 floats featured in the parade will be on display at the Roman Amphitheatre Square of Macau Fisherman’s Wharf from 20 to 27 February, and at Tap Seac Square from 1 to 8 March. Illuminations will be switched on daily from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
“ZAPE Gallop Gala” programme
From 13 February to 1 March, the ZAPE Gallop Gala takes place in the vicinity of Rua de Cantão and Rua de Pequim. The programme includes themed installations, live performances, LED-screen broadcasts of the parade and initiatives coordinated with local businesses. The activity marks both Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day, aiming to strengthen the festive atmosphere in the district and encourage participation by residents and visitors.
Traditional festive activities organised by IAM
Alongside the tourism programme, the Municipal Affairs Bureau is organising a series of traditional festive activities. The Chinese New Year Market at Tap Seac Square, open from 12:00 noon to midnight between 10 and 15 February and from 12:00 noon on 16 February to 1:00 a.m. on 17 February. Designated areas for lighting firecrackers in Taipa near Estrada Almirante Marques Esparteiro, operating from 12:00 noon on 16 February to 1:00 a.m. on 17 February and from 10:00 a.m. to midnight between 17 and 21 February. Temporary stalls selling incense and pinwheels near Largo do Pagode da Barra, open from 6:00 p.m. to midnight on 16 February, from midnight to 6:30 p.m. on 17 February, and from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. between 18 and 23 February.
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These initiatives help preserve traditional customs associated with the Spring Festival while offering additional activities for residents and visitors.
The programme is further complemented by digital initiatives, including interactive online games and themed websites, allowing the public to follow event updates and take part in activities linked to the Chinese New Year celebrations.
