Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) marked the first day of Chinese New Year with a community celebration programme featuring a giant golden dragon at Saint Paul’s Ruins and Senado’s Square, welcoming residents and visitors to the Year of the Horse.
The morning ceremony included the traditional “eye-dotting” ritual to awake the dragon and lions, officiated by MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, alongside representatives from several public departments and members of the Tourism Development Committee.
Measuring 238 metres in length, the golden dragon paraded through historic streets accompanied by 18 lions, the God of Wealth and other auspicious figures, distributing symbolic “gold ingots” and New Year blessings. The procession concluded at the A-Má Temple, amid the sound of firecrackers.
Celebrations continue over two days, with local and overseas performing groups staging shows in areas including Anim’Arte NAM VAN, Doca dos Pescadores, ZAPE, the northern district and the islands, extending the festive atmosphere to different neighbourhoods.
The programme also features the Year of the Horse Celebration Parade on 19 and 28 February, as well as three drone and fireworks shows combining technology and tradition. Since 2023, Macau’s major Chinese New Year events have been included in the national “Happy Chinese New Year” initiative, reinforcing the city’s “tourism + events” strategy.
