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Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

End of January; beginning of February; 1st day of the First Moon

Macau main square during Chinese new year

Chinese New Year is the most important and colourful Chinese festival celebrated by the majority of the local population, where shops, offices, factories close for this traditional holiday.

During ten days there are a huge number of events celebrating the New Year.

The long dragon and lions dance on the streets, crowds visit the temples, lanterns, flowers and entertainment comes alive in the most important squares of the city.

Chinese New Year is also a tradition, when people visit and greet each other with two joined hands closed, saying "Kung Hei Fat Choi" and offering "Lai Si" (red pockets) containing money, which is a way to wish good luck and prosperity throughout the year to friends and relatives.

chinese new year
New year light figures in Macau main square

15th day of the First Moon is the Lanterns Festival, being equally the Valentine's Days in the Chinese tradition.

At night, the celebrations continue with colorful lanterns placed around. Small balls of glutinous rice is prepared as dessert, for homophonic reasons and symbolizes the "ribbon of friendship", "family reunion" or "good luck" for the Chinese.