Magical Macau to host Glittering Festivals

MACAU'S glittering reputation to entertain its guests will continue throughout 2011 with the Asian centre set to host a series of colourful festivals and events to complement the extravagant Vegas-style year-round stage shows.

Headlining the glittering list of annual celebrations are such events as Chinese New Year Holidays (Feb 3-5), the A-Ma Festival (April 25), the 22nd Macau Arts Festival (April 29 - May 28) and the thrill-a-minute Macau International Dragon Boat Races (June 4-6).

For a number of days between September 10 and early October, Macau will host the 23rd Macau International Fireworks Display, while September 12 is time for locals and guests to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
"When it comes to festivals Macau knows how to turn on a colourful and exciting event," said Helen Wong, managing director of the Macau Government Tourist Office in Australia and New Zealand.

"2011 will be no exception, judging by the number and quality of events on the calendar," she said. "From such events as the 11th Macau Lotus Flower Festival (June) and the 25th Macau International Music Festival (Oct 7 - Nov 6) to the 58th Macau Grand Prix (Oct) and the 11th annual Food Festival (Nov), there's much to excite visitors as well as the locals.

"One of my favourites is the Macau City Fringe Festival which will be into its 11th year when staged in November. The performances put on during this festival are worth taking the flight from Australia to see."
Other major events include Procession of the Passion of Our Lord (Mar 12-13), Feast of the Drunken Dragon (May 10), National Day of the People's Republic of China (Oct 1), Festival of Ancestors (Oct 5), the 16th Macau International Trade and Investment Fair, Lusofonia Festival 2011 (Oct 21-23), the Macau International Kart Grand Prix (Oct), Macau International Food Festival (Nov) and the Macau International Marathon (Dec 4).

Each festival and event complements the major full-time shows such as the City of Dreams' The House of the Dancing Water spectacular, and The Venetian's Cirque Du Soleil Zaia.

On average, Australians spend almost four nights a visit in the city with its east-meets-west and old-meets-new characteristics.

"By day, they'll look at the many beautiful colonial and Chinese features which have paved the way for Macau's UNESCO World Heritage listing, and follow that with a some dining pleasures and a glittering show," said Ms Wong. "The unique Macanese cuisine, shopping, activities . . . they all add up to an eventful - and memorable - stay."

Book your accommodation now on http://www.metrostar.com/macau/

Source: (Source: Macau Government Tourist Office)