Event Overview
Celebrate the grand Nezha (Na Tcha) Birthday Festival in Macau, a significant event in the local intangible cultural heritage calendar. The festival features vibrant activities across two historic temples over three days.
Key Activities & Schedule
Ruins of St. Paul's Nezha Temple
- Dates: June 23–25, 2013
- Location: Next to the Ruins of St. Paul's, part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Historic Centre of Macao".
- Blessing Ceremony: June 23, 9:00–17:00.
- Float Parade: June 24, 14:30. Starts at the Ruins of St. Paul's, passes through Senado Square, Rua de Cinco de Outubro, St. Augustine's Square, and returns to the start.
- Chinese Opera Performances: June 23–25, 20:00 (open to public). An additional performance on June 25 at 14:30 is reserved for senior citizens.
- Ruins of St. Paul's Nezha Exhibition Hall: Located adjacent to the temple, showcasing archaeological artifacts, architectural remains, and items used in the festival.
Sek Kei (Persimmon Hill) Ancient Nezha Temple
- Location: Rua da Caldeira (Nezha Temple Lane).
- Seal Opening Ceremony: June 24, 23:00.
- Nezha Deity Procession: June 25, 10:00. The procession travels through Rua de São Domingos, Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Rua dos Mercadores, and stops at Senado Square for 30 minutes for public worship before returning to the temple via St. Dominic's Square. The parade features themed groups like "Fairy Maidens Scattering Flowers," "Child Soldiers Formation," and "Eight Immortals Offering Birthday Tributes."
Cultural Significance
Nezha Beliefs and Customs are inscribed on Macau's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Macao Post also issued a special stamp collection "Nezha Beliefs and Customs," including a set of four stamps, a souvenir sheet, a first-day cover, and an information leaflet.
Contact Information
- Ruins of St. Paul's Nezha Temple Organizing Committee: (853) 6668 5027
- Macau Sek Kei Ancient Nezha Temple Organizing Committee: (853) 2838 8366 / 2835 5314
- Website: http://www.temple.mo
Macao Post Philatelic Shop
- Address: Senado Square
- Hours: Monday–Thursday: 9:00–13:00, 14:30–17:45; Friday: 9:00–13:00, 14:30–17:30
- Inquiry: (853) 8396 8513
- Website: http://www.macaupost.gov.mo
Admission: All activities are free of charge.
