Overview

May 17, 2013 (the 8th day of the 4th lunar month) is a special day in Macau, as three major traditional festivals are celebrated simultaneously: the Fishmongers' Drunken Dragon Festival, Tam Kung Festival, and Buddha's Birthday.

Event Details

Fishmongers' Drunken Dragon Festival

• Status: Listed in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory.
• Main Parade: A grand parade launch ceremony starts at 9:00 AM at Senado Square, followed by a large-scale parade passing through Hong Kung Temple, Floating Market, and A-Ma Temple, before returning to Senado Square.
• Performances: Drunken Dragon performance at Red Market at 10:00 AM on May 17.
• Free Distribution: Longevity rice (symbolizing health) is distributed at Red Market (11:30 AM), Iao Hon Market (2:00 PM), and Mercado de S. Domingos (3:00 PM).
• Free Admission
• Organizer: Macau Fresh Fish Traders Association
• Enquiries: (853) 2825 7187

"Glorious Coloane April 8th" Parade (Tam Kung Festival)

• Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• Location: Rua do Cais, Coloane (City Bus Terminal)
• Details: A vibrant parade with participants dressed in various costumes to celebrate Tam Kung's Birthday.
• Free Admission
• Organizer: Coloane Sin I Welfare Association
• Enquiries: (853) 2833 5227

Cantonese Opera Charity Performances (Tam Kung Festival)

• Dates: May 16–20, 2013
• Location: Tam Kung Temple Square, Coloane
• Schedule:
  • Matinee: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Open to public on May 17; Senior Citizens' Special on May 19)
  • Evening: 7:45 PM – 11:45 PM (May 16–20)
• Ticket Prices: MOP 250, 150, 60, 40
• Free Shuttle: After each evening show, free shuttle buses return to Hotel Sintra, Macau, and Taipa Fire Station.
• Organizer: Coloane Neighborhood Four Temples Charity Association
• Enquiries: (853) 2888 2161 / 6669 2639

Sakyamuni Buddha's Birthday Bathing Ceremony

• Dates: May 17–19, 2013
• Time: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Kun Iam Tong (Gongdelin), No. 13 Rua de S. Domingos
• Free Admission
• Organizer: Macau Infinite Life Kun Iam Tong
• Enquiries: (853) 2897 3607 / 2897 2560

Buddha's Birthday 2557 Carnival

• Date: May 17, 2013
• Time: From 4:00 PM
• Location: Friendship Square
• Activities: Blessing ceremonies and game booths.
• Free Admission
• Organizer: Macau Buddhist Association
• Enquiries: (853) 2881 1007 / 2811 1038
• Website: http://www.temple.mo/

Other Activities

• Chinese Opera Evenings: Held at Mercado de S. Domingos Square (May 15–16, 7:00 PM) and Iao Hon Market Park (May 16, 7:00 PM). Free admission.
• Visit Pou Tai Un Monastery (Taipa): Participate in ceremonies, view the largest Sakyamuni Buddha statue in Macau, admire traditional Chinese architecture, and enjoy vegetarian food.