Macau: Events

The mixing of two very different cultures and religious traditions for over 400 years has left Macau with a unique collection of holidays, festivals and cultural events. Key annual events include the Macau Arts Festival (www.icm.gov.mo) in March, the colourful International Fireworks Display Contest in September, the International Music Festival (www.icm.gov.mo) in October and November, and the Macau International Marathon (www.sport.gov.mo) on the first Sunday of December. But the biggest event of the year is the Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix (www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo) on the third weekend in November, when the city's streets become a racetrack.

Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, is a three-day annual public holiday and celebration held in late January or early February. The Pou Tai Un Temple on Taipa Island is the place to be in February for the Feast of the Earth god Tou Tei. The Procession of the Passion of Our Lord is a surviving Catholic tradition and journey, which travels from São Agostinho to Macau Cathedral, taking place in February. Macau's A-Ma Temple comes alive in April with festive worshippers during the A-Ma Festival (akin to Hong Kong's Tin Hau Festival) - the temple honours the Goddess of Seafarers for whom Macau is named. See dancing dragons and sparkling-clean Buddhas at the Feast of the Drunken Dragon and Feast of the Bathing of Lord Buddha in May; the Taoist deity Tam Kong is also honoured on this day of festivals by Macau's fishing community, particularly in Coloane Village.

June's spectacular Dragon Boat Festival is held on Nam Van Lakes to the accompaniment of drums. Hungry Ghosts' Festival, in late August/early September, marks the start of a two-week period. Festivities come to an end with Winter Solstice feasting in December.