A Feast of Festivals: Traditional Celebrations in Macao
Experience the rich tapestry of Macao's traditional festivals throughout August 2015. This series of events offers a deep dive into the region's unique blend of Chinese folk beliefs and cultural practices.
Featured Festivals & Activities
Feast of Kun Iam (Kun Iam's Birthday) - 3 August 2015
- Significance: Celebrates the Bodhisattva of Compassion, revered for rescuing those in difficulty.
- Activities: Devotees visit Kun Iam temples to pray for peace, good fortune, and fertility.
Feast of Kuan Tai (Kuan Tai's Birthday) - 8 August 2015
- Significance: Honors the 'Saint of War' from the Three Kingdoms period, a symbol of loyalty.
- Activities: Believers offer flowers, burn incense, and present various offerings at temples and homes.
Feast of Hong Kung (Hong Kung's Birthday) - 20 August 2015
- Activities:
- Senior Dwellers' Big Bowl Feasting: A communal feast held at Hong Kung Temple Square on Rua de Cinco de Outubro.
- Time: 5:45 PM – 8:30 PM
- Price: MOP 120 per person (Two tables reserved for tourists; telephone reservation required)
- Hong Kung deity statue procession.
Feast of Maidens (Qixi Festival / Qijie's Birthday) - 20 August 2015
- Significance: Also known as the Chinese Lovers' Festival, celebrating the annual meeting of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.
- Activities (Part of the 'Qixi Gathering & Orchid Appreciation' Series):
- Orchid Exhibition:
- Dates: 16–23 August 2015
- Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: San Kio Garden
- Qixi Gathering Evening Party:
- Date: 20 August 2015
- Time: Opening & Moon-Worship Ceremony at 8:00 PM
- Location: San Kio Garden
- Highlights: Traditional Qixi rituals, Chinese Traditional Female Skills Competition (needlework, handmade crafts, traditional costume contest, talent show).
- San Kio Guided Tours:
- Dates: Every Sunday from 23 August to 13 September 2015
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Meeting Point: San Kio Garden
- Language: Cantonese
- Admission: Free
Feast of Hungry Ghosts (Yu Lan Festival) - 27 August 2015
- Significance: A festival to placate wandering spirits and honor ancestors.
- Observance: Families place offerings of food and burn joss paper on pavements or at their doorsteps.
Contact & Organizers
For Feast of Hong Kung Activities:
- Enquiries: (853) 2892 1409
For Feast of Maidens Activities:
- Enquiries: (853) 2825 9897 / 2832 4622
- Admission: Free
Organizers:
- Feast of Hong Kung: Associação de Mútuo Auxílio do Bairro Abrangendo a Rua Cinco de Outubro, Associação de Mútuo Auxílio dos Moradores da Marginal, Associação de Mútuo Auxílio dos Moradores de Lou Sek Tong, Hong-Chan-Kuan-Mio Charity Association, Associação de Bem-Estar dos Moradores de Macau
- Feast of Maidens / Qixi Series: Associação de Mutuo Auxílio dos Moradores do Bairro ‘San Kio’, Macau Government Tourist Office (Organizers); Macau Orchid Association, Macau Salon Photographic Art Association (Co-organizers)
Source: Macau Tourism
