The Na Tcha Temple Association will hold a Na Tcha-themed fair, titled “Lotus Door Three Banquets: Rites Banquets”, tomorrow in front of the Na Tcha Temple near the Ruins of St Paul’s, both of which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.
According to Kuok Pak Yu, head of the association’s youth division, the Rites Banquets (禮宴) focus on traditional folk beliefs and rituals. They also form the very core of the upcoming Na Tcha Festival, encompassing the historically significant Taoist rituals for blessing and salvation, solemn sacrificial ceremonies, and the centrepiece events –the “Procession of Crown Prince Na Tcha and float parade”, as well as the “poon choi” banquet (poon choi—or “basin dish”—is a traditional Cantonese festival meal).
According to chatbot Gemini, within the context of Na Tcha culture, the term “rite/ ritual” (禮) conveys both reverence and gratitude for divine protection, as well as the folk customs and ceremonial traditions that have been passed down through generations.
According to the promotional poster, the fair will be open from tomorrow until next Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. The event will feature stalls offering Macau’s local cuisine, alongside stalls themed around intangible cultural heritage. Different performances and game activities will take place every day, and a free fortune-telling booth will also be set up.
Booths are being set up in front of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Na Tcha Temple near the Ruins of St Paul’s yesterday. – Photo: Armindo Neves
