The two-day Na Tcha Procession and Float Parade started yesterday afternoon. Despite the local observatory issuing a yellow hot weather alert, the festive atmosphere was not dampened by the heat.
The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) issued the yellow hot weather alert at 6:50 a.m. yesterday, and the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) also announced yesterday afternoon that its cooling shelter was open to the public.
The procession and parade were organised by the Na Tcha Temple Association. At 2:00 p.m. yesterday the procession set off from Na Tcha Temple near the Ruins of St Paul’s, travelling along various streets and squares in the city centre, including Largo do Senado, before returning to the temple, which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Macau.
The procession, which continues today, is part of a series of events celebrating the Birthday of Prince Na Tcha and the upcoming 27th Anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). Around 40 art troupes from Macau, China’s Taiwan region, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and from overseas participated in the event.
Ip Tat, president of the association, spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the procession, noting that since the annual “grabbing the flower cannon” (搶花炮)* tradition has been revived in recent years, the Na Tcha festival has taken on a more traditional flavour and has brought great enjoyment to the public.
A tourist couple from Malaysia told the Post that although it was their first time watching the Na Tcha parade, they thoroughly enjoyed it and found it to be a wonderful experience. They expressed a willingness to attend it again in the future, though they hoped that the crowds during the event would not be too overwhelming.
An Indian tourist by the name of Arjay, who was also watching the parade for the first time, told the Post that the atmosphere was very festive and that he would be happy to attend it again. Although he was unfamiliar with the story of Na Tcha, Arjay said he was deeply interested in this traditional Daoist cultural event.
Na Tcha, known in Putonghua as Nezha (哪吒) and also as Nezha the Crown Prince (哪吒太子), is a protective deity in Taoism, Buddhism, and Chinese folk belief. A towering figure in Chinese mythology, Na Tcha is a divine hero whose origins are rooted in ancient folklore and religious traditions. According to mythological narrative, Na Tcha was born during the Shang Dynasty (商朝, around 1600–1046 BCE), and his famed story is closely tied to the Investiture of the Gods (封神演义), a Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) novel set in that era. Every year, on the 18th day of the fifth lunar month, Macau hosts colourful celebrations to mark Na Tcha’s birthday today.
* In the Guangdong region – including the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong, and Macau – “grabbing the flower cannon” refers to a vibrant, centuries-old folk festival tradition. It is essentially the southern Chinese equivalent a traditional “scramble” game, deeply rooted in community spirit and religious celebrations. The ritual typically takes place during major Daoist deity festivals, most notably the birthday of Tin Hau (“Heavenly Empress”), Na Tcha (Nezha – aka “Divine Marshal of Three Altars”) and Tou Tei (“Earth God”). – Gemini/MPD
Na Tcha’s tablet was placed inside a palanquin and carried through the streets during the procession through the city centre. – Photos: Armindo Neves
A child dressed up as Na Tcha takes part in the float parade.
Guan Jiang Shou (a traditional ritual performance troupe), who cleared the way and led the procession. Guan Jiang Shou (바將看) translates literally to “The Chiefs of the Divine Officers”.
