Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes told reporters on the sidelines of blessing ceremony on Saturday that this year’s Chinese New Year (CNY) float parade is expected to attract 70,000 to 80,000 on-site spectators, or up to about 11 percent of Macau’s population.
The blessing ceremony for the CNY float parade’s celebration of the year of the Horse was held in Praça do Lago Sai Van (Sai Van Lake Plaza) on Saturday.
In the runup to the Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday period, hotel industry sources indicate that the hotel booking rates have already exceeded 80 percent, with the final average booking rate expected to surpass 90 percent, Senna Fernandes said, adding that hotel room rates might see a slight increase as the events and float parades approach, but, overall, the rates were expected to remain comparable to those in the last few years. She also said that the authorities will monitor and address any abnormal surges in hotel pricing.
Senna Fernandes said that around 1,300 performers from Macau, Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Italy, the Philippines, Portugal, South Korea, and Spain will take part in the parade, adding that the capacity of the venues remains similar to last year, with no significant changes.
This year, firework performances will be integrated with drones for the first time. Previously held as separate events, this combination marks Macau’s first attempt, aiming to deliver a novel experience and extending New Year wishes, Senna Fernandes added.
According to a MGTO statement, the annual CNY parade will take place on Thursday and February 28 in the vicinity of Praça do Lago Sai Van and the northern district respectively, featuring 17 floats, performances and firework display combined with drones.
The statement noted that over 4,200 spectator seats will be provided at five seating stands for the parade on the 3rd day of the CNY (February 19), comprising Praça do Lago Sai Van, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen (孫逸仙大馬路), the square in front of the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre in Nape, the roundabout in front of the Macau Science Centre (MSC), and the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf complex. The seats will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
Meanwhile, the “ZAPE Gallop Gala”, which began on Friday, will be held through March 1 in the vicinity of Rua de Cantão (廣州街) and Rua de Pequim (北京街) in celebration of the Spring Festival (as the Chinese New Year is also known) and Valentine’s Day, which was celebrated on Saturday, aiming to bring a greater flow of people into the community for spending, driving positive interaction between destination marketing and community development, the statement said, adding that several integrated resort operators have launched special offers with attractive prizes such as star-rated hotel accommodation, dining and movie coupons. For more information about the activity, please visit: https://zapegallopgala.vangou.com/index-EN.html.
Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes talks to reporters after traditional ceremony for blessing the upcoming Chinese New Year (CNY) float parade in Praça do Lago Sai Van on Saturday. – Photo: Ida Cheong
