11 Festivals And Events To Experience In Macau

A City Not Just Popular For Its Food And Point of Interests: 11 Festivals and Events To Experience In Macau
Adrian Chew
Adrian Chew 
Updated
| 5 min read

So it is autumn now and what are your plans for this new season? If you have not decided on any destination, consider Macau as your next destination. Macau is not just a world famous gambling hub but it has many point of interests, local and international cuisines as well as festivals and events for you to explore. If you are a music, art or sport enthusiasts you should plan your trip to Macau. Among the festivals and events you should check out are Macau Grand Prix, Macau Food Festival and Parade Through Macau, Latin City.

1. Macau International Fireworks Display Contest

2019 Macao International Fireworks Display Contest
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pauloleong2002 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This particular event is very popular in the whole of Macau. It is a combination of a fireworks show and contest. There are three different contests that are held annually together with the fireworks display. They are the Trophy Design Contest, Photo Contest and Student Drawing Contest. Every year without fail, tourists, visitors and locals from around the world get to see various beautiful fireworks display. Besides, contestants from various continents will compete with each other to determine the winner. If you want to have a memorable experience take along your camera and video-cam to snap the lively event as well as record each firework spark as you watch them live.

Macau International Fireworks Display Contest

Date: Normally is held for several sequential weekends in September

Location: In front of Macau Tower

Website: Macau International Fireworks Display Contest

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2. International Dragon Boat Races

Dragonboat Racing Festival Macau 20050611
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Iidxplus used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Although you can also see the Dragon Boat Races in Hong Kong, the one in Macau is totally different and you need to see it for yourself. After all it is the International Dragon Boat Races. Do you know that this event is to pay tribute to the well-known poet, Qu Yuan? Sadly, he committed suicide by drowning himself to protest against corruption. You will want to see the thrilling races from the start to the end. Both international and local teams will compete in the races to determine the winner. The races are not for men only as you will get to see women taking part in the races too.

International Dragon Boat Races

Date: May every year

Venue: Nam Van Lake Nautical Center

Website: International Dragon Boat Races

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3. Macau Food Festival

Macau Food Festival
Source: Photo by Flickr user Klaus Nahr used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The best thing about Macau is its food. You can savor almost any cuisine from around the world. If you plan to join the crowd and have a great dining experience you should mark the date on your calendar. Macau Food Festival is a one stop place for you to satisfy your taste-buds. Get ready to immerse in the lively food festival with delicious food, nice wine and mingle with locals and tourists from various countries. The good thing is, it is not a 1 day festival but 15 exciting days for you to eat and drink all you want. Besides, you get to meet some of the famous chefs while you are at the festival.

Macau Food Festival

Date: 10 November-26 November 2017

Venue: Next to Sai Wan Lake

Website: Macau Food Festival

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4. Macau Light Festival

Macau - Ruins of Saint Paul
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user kewl used under CC BY 2.0

There is another festival you need to experience while on vacation in Macau. It is none other than the Macau Light Festival. It is normally held in December each year and you are in for a surprise. You will get to see not just magical light formations but also the unique music and heritage sites projected using advanced technology. You will feel like you’re in the World of Pandora while you are enjoying the magnificent showcase.

Macau Light Festival

Date: 3 December-31 December 2017

Venue: Various locations around the city. Kindly refer to website

Website: Macau Light Festival

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5. Macau International Music Festival

Orchestra
Source: Pixabay

If you are a music fan, then this festival is a must for you. Sit back and relax to enjoy the music performances by local and international musicians. From the chamber orchestra to skilled opera tenors, it will be an eventful evening for you and your family. Among others, you get to watch classical performances, Chinese folk songs as well as Broadway-hits.

Macau International Music Festival

Date: 29 September 2017-30 October 2017

Venue: Various locations around the city. Kindly refer to website

Facebook: Macau International Music Festival

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6. Macau International Marathon

Macau marathon - before the start
Source: Photo by Flickr user Marc van der Chijs used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Traveling is also a form of exercise. If you want to challenge yourself, register yourself for the Macau International Marathon. You can choose either the mini-marathon or half-marathon categories. Time to stay fit during your vacation in Macau and you will see breathtaking scenery while taking part in the run. It is also the best way to mingle with other runners from across the globe and you should bring your whole family to have a fun time too.

Macau International Marathon

Date: 3 December 2017

Venue: Olympic Sport Centre Stadium

Website: Macau International Marathon

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7. Parade Through Macau, Latin City

Parade through Macao, Latin City 2019 24
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pauloleong2002 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This is definitely one of the crowd-puller events in Macau. Tourists and visitors need to be part of this Lusophone-Latino experience. Parade Through Macau, Latin Festival is a joyous and lively carnival and it is a time for everyone to join in the fun by dancing and singing together with the local and international performers. It is just like those Mardi Gras carnivals that you normally see in other countries.

Parade Through Macau, Latin City

Date: December 2017. Actual date yet to be confirmed. Kindly refer to website

Venue: Various locations in the city. Kindly refer to website

Website: Parade Through Macau, Latin City

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8. Wushu Masters Challenge

WUSHU - Orense - Junio 2008
Source: Photo by Flickr user - used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you are a martial arts fan, then you should join the crowd for the Wushu Masters Challenge. It is not just a competition but a major event in the city for both locals and tourists. You will get to see various traditional martial arts such as Sanda (sparring) and Taolu (forms) as well as other Chinese martial arts like tai chi, kung fu, etc. You will be surprised to see the young and old performing together during the event. Definitely worth taking pictures as a memento.

Wushu Masters Challenge

Date: August every year

Venue: Various locations in the city. Kindly refer to website

Website: Wushu Masters Challenge

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9. Macau Arts Festival

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Get ready to watch spectacular interactive exhibitions and performances. There are too many to see and watch as the Macau Arts Festival is a month long festival. Everyday you will have chance to see something new be it artwork, live performances, music, etc. Each year will have a different theme and that is why you need to be part of the festival. It is suitable for all age groups.

Macau Arts Festival

Date: May annually

Venue: Various locations in the city. Kindly refer to website

Facebook: Macau Arts Festival

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10. Macau Lotus Flower Festival

Lotus Flower
Source: Pixabay

Do you know that the lotus flower is part of Macau’s identity? You can see it on the country’s flag. Besides that, the lotus flower is considered sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists worldwide. It signifies purity and enlightenment. Summer is the time for Macau Lotus Flower Festival and you will get to see different types of species in the city. The festival is to pay tribute to the variety and beauty of lotus flower around the city.

Macau Lotus Flower Festival

Date: Summer season yearly

Venue: Various locations in the city. Kindly refer to website

Website: Macau Lotus Flower Festival

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11. Macau Grand Prix

2008 Macau F3 GP
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ngchikit used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you happen to be here around November, then you will get to cheer for your favorite Formula 3, motorcycle and World Touring Car Championship team. Kids and families need to be here to watch world class racing professionals competing with each other during the Macau Grand Prix. The Guia circuit is indeed one of the most challenging circuits in the world and you will get to see each professional competing from the start till the end by overcoming each twist and sharp corners.

Macau Grand Prix

Date: 16 November-19 November 2017

Venue: Lisboa corner, Guia circuit

Website: Macau Grand Prix

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A lively city all year round

Macau China
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 罗布泊 used under CC BY 3.0

The city of Macau is unique as you can visit the country anytime of the year. Whether you are a first-timer, a family with kids, solo adventurer or business traveler, Macau has plenty to offer for everyone. As it is a former Portuguese colony, the country is also rich in its culture, heritage and history. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is also called “Asia’s Biggest Little City”.

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Adrian, originally hailing from the small town of Muar in Johor, Malaysia, was born and raised there. Following his parents' marriage, he made the transition to Kuala Lumpur and now resides in...Read more

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