In order to implement the construction of "a base for exchange and cooperation with Chinese culture as the mainstream and multicultural coexistence", IC will give full play to the synergistic role of various major arts and cultural events, expand the brand benefits of arts and cultural festivals, such as the Macao International Parade, the Arts and Cultural Festival between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, the Macao Arts Festival, the Macao International Music Festival and the Macao International Comedy Festival, etc., and create a Broadway-style performance season, introduce internationally renowned performing arts works to be staged in Macao, build an international platform for cultural exchanges, enrich Macao's Chinese and Western cultural connotations and cultural tourism experiences, and promote culture, cultural and cultural products, At the same time, it will organize and participate in more national, regional and international cultural exchange activities, highlighting the role of the "One Base" as a cultural exchange platform, bringing more forward-looking and representative arts and cultural events to residents and tourists, further showcasing Macao's unique cultural image to the world, and striving to build Macao into a "City of Performing Arts".
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, MGM, Sands China Ltd., SJM Resorts, S.A. and Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A. co-organised the "2024 Macao International Parade", which was held on 24 March.
This year, for the first time, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) and six major integrated resort and leisure enterprises co-organised the Grand Parade, in which performance teams of different styles visited major integrated resort and leisure enterprises and communities to make a surprise appearance to the public and tourists.
The performance team also staged a street art carnival at the square of Panzhang Tong and Tap Seac Square, taking the lead in bringing the public to experience the charm of the parade.
This year's Grand Parade includes arts groups from Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Togo, France, Spain, Norway, the United Kingdom, Italy, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
On the day of the 2024 Macao International Parade (24 March), the performance team departed from the Ruins of St. Paul's and walked through the old streets and alleys of the Historic Centre of Macao, arriving at the bustling downtown of the square and downtown of Banzhang Tong to interact with the residents and visitors.
In addition to enjoying the unique atmosphere of the parade at the site of the Macao World Heritage Centre in the first half of the parade, residents and visitors can also join the parade to Avenida da Lakeview Nam Van to participate in the "VIVA Carnival", which starts at noon. Dozens of handicraft workshops, cultural and creative and food stalls are set up along Nam Van Lake, as well as auditorium seats and designated performance areas, allowing the public and visitors to appreciate the highlights of the parade troupe up close and careful.
This year's finale showcased the power of local arts, with VIVA collecting four kinds of performing arts essences: "V-Vibrant", "I-Ignite", "V-Variety" and "A-Ambient Atmosphere". Large balloons and spaceships appeared on stage and in the auditorium, and together with the performing arts team, they presented an enthusiastic performance to promote the concept of "Love, Peace, Cultural Harmony".
In order to allow more audiences to experience the warm atmosphere of the parade and watch the event, a live broadcast will be held on the day of the event, so that they can enjoy the grand occasion of the Macao International Parade even if they are overseas.
As an important brand festival in Macao, the Grand Parade has entered its 10th year since its inception in 2011 and has become one of the annual festivals to celebrate Macao's return to the motherland, attracting visitors and local residents from all over the world. This year's Grand Parade strengthens the linkage of mega events, increases the promotion and warm-up activities in various communities and integrated resort and leisure enterprises, extends the influence of the Grand Parade, deepens international cultural and artistic exchanges, showcases Macao's unique urban charm to the world, and plays Macao's role as a bridge "a base for exchange and cooperation with Chinese culture as the mainstream and multicultural coexistence", and dances together as a performing arts city.
Information and photo source: Cultural Affairs Bureau