Month of festivities
Macau to host several cultural events to celebrate its past and present
Portuguese mariners arrived in Macau in the 16th century and, in 1535, the nation’s traders were granted rights to berth ships and to carry out trading activities. Christian missionaries quickly followed.
Over the centuries, the Portuguese built homes, forts, schools and churches. St Paul’s Cathedral, whose ruins have become a symbol of the city, was built in 1835. It burned down during a typhoon, leaving behind only a stone façade.
While China has resumed sovereignty Macau, Portugal left more behind than buildings and street names. They also contributed to the city’s culture, which is evident every year in December, with a festive parade through the streets and alleys of the old city. December was chosen because the former Portuguese enclave was returned to Chinese sovereignty in December 1999.
The purpose of the parade is “to bring Macau’s multicultural community together while extending the hand of friendship to outsiders”. Other themes include love, peace and cultural integration; cultural heritage integration; and Latin culture.
A series of commemorative activities will also be held. There will be stage performances, face painting, and the list goes on.
The event will have special significance this year, because 2015 marks the 10th anniversary of the Historic Centre of Macao being named a World Heritage Site by Unesco. For this reason, the theme of this year’s parade will highlight the city’s keys Word Heritage attractions.
