4 ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Macau

In a week, we will be bidding farewell to the Year of the Rooster and welcoming the Year of the Dog. There are many ways to usher in the Lunar New Year (which starts on February 16) and have a fresh start. If you are going to celebrate the festive season in Macau, here are some exciting ideas of what you can do.

Firecrackers and fireworks 

It’s a custom for Chinese people to set off firecrackers to scare off the New Year monster. However, firecrackers and fireworks have been banned in Hong Kong since 1967, except at government-organised events. If you want to experience the thrills and festive atmosphere of setting off firecrackers and fireworks, Macau is one of the closest destinations to do so.

From February 15 to 20, the public are allowed to set off firecrackers and fireworks at two designated locations – the reclaimed land on Avenida Dr Sun Yat-sen, which is near Macau Tower, and the waterfront at Estrada almirante Marques Esparteiro in Taipa. Both areas open from noon, February 15 to 1am, February 16; and from 10am to midnight on February 16 to 20.

Temple visit

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, many people go to temples to pray for good luck. A-Ma Temple, located in São Lourenço, halfway up the western slope of Barra Hill, is the most popular temple in Macau. 

Built in 1488 to pay homage to the Chinese Sea Goddess Mazu, the temple, a Unesco World Heritage Site, consists of the Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence, the Hall of Guanyin and a Buddhist pavilion. It is believed that the name of the city was derived from the temple’s name.

Every year, people flock to the temple to offer incense to the goddess. The temple will be open around the clock on Lunar New Year’s Eve and on the first day of the Lunar New Year. 

Kun Iam Tong, nestled in Avenida do Coronel Mesquita, is another big temple. The temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, was founded in the 13th century. It is one of the oldest temples in the city. With open courtyards and three main pavilions dedicated to the Precious Buddhas, The Buddha of Longevity and Kun Iam, the temple also features terraced gardens with four ancient banyan trees and an ornate pavilion.