Chinese New Year

Celebrated towards the end of January or beginning of February, Chinese New Year in Macau is the most important and colorful Chinese festival among the people. On the first day of the ten days long festival the majority of shops, offices and factories remains closed for this traditional holiday.

During ten days of the Chinese New Year in Macau there are a massive number of events celebrating the festival. 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. It is also a practice, when people call and greet each other with two joined hands closed, saying 'Kung Hei Fat Choi' and offering 'Lai Si' or red pockets containing money, a way to wish good fortune and success throughout the year to friends and relatives.

On the 15th day of the First Moon or just after 5 days of Chinese New Year, the people of Macau observe Lanterns Festival, equivalent to the Valentine's Days in the Chinese tradition. Small balls of glutinous rice are prepared as dessert, for homophonic reasons and symbolize the 'friendship', 'family reunion' or 'good luck' for the Chinese.

Your Macau visit during Chinese New Year is certain to give you a great time to witness a centuries-old local festival. The streets are decorated with flowers and lanterns, people greet each other with good luck pockets and siblings honor their grandparents. You are sure to eat a great deal, even more than usual.

Hotels in Macau
Hotel Macau Grand Waldo Hotel	Hotel Golden Dragon
Hotel Holiday Inn	Hotel Rio
Hotel Presidente Hote	Hotel Royal