Across the Fragrant Harbor is Hong Kong’s sister, Macau. Though part of China administratively, Macau is commercially and economically autonomous and able to represent itself in these matters; hence, Macau’s casino industry is a major tourist draw.
On the historical front, Macau permeates a Portuguese air, having been the latter’s overseas territory until 1999. Combined with religious elements that blend Chinese folk religion with Taoism, Buddhism and Catholicism, Macau’s cultural landscape is one of China’s visitor magnets and makes it a major player in Southeast Asian tourism.
Macau public holidays 2014 do not necessarily interfere with travel plans, unless you require assistance from government offices and other institutions that close shop on major holidays. Plan your itinerary around these dates.
New Year’s Day, Wednesday 1 January 2014
Like the rest of the Western world, Macau observes the start of the Gregorian calendar on this day.
Lunar New Year’s Day, Friday to Tuesday 31 January to 4 February 2014
The start of the New Year for the Chinese is determined by their lunar calendar. The start of the year is usually marked by festivities celebrated for 15 long days, although only three days are legally considered public holidays. The New Year celebrations are colorful and myriad, but they center around family through the exchange and consumption of sticky foods and sweets; ancestor worship and strengthening ties with their immediate community; driving away of evil spirits by fireworks; and attracting good fortune by using rounded objects and motifs.
Qing Ming Jie or Ching Ming Festival, Saturday 5 April 2014
The blessing and guidance of ancestors is central to Chinese culture and celebration. On this day, families visit the graveyard of their departed to say prayers, clean their tombs, offer them their favorite foods, and burn papier mache of worldly materials in the belief that these items will make their loved ones’ afterlife better.
Easter Holidays, Friday to Monday 18 to 21 April 2014 (with the exclusion of Easter Sunday)
As a former colony of a deeply Catholic country, Macau observes Catholic festivities along with the rest of the Vatican-led world. On Good Friday, reenactment of the passion, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ is held in cathedrals. Christ’s resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday is commemorated with a mass.
Labor Day, Thursday 1 May 2014
Macau joins the international community in recognizing the contribution of its workers to the economy.
Feast of the Bathing of Lord Buddha/Feast of the Drunken Dragon, Tuesday 6 May 2014
Elsewhere in Buddhist countries, this day celebrates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha. While similar observances happen in Macau on a more modest scale, this day is also celebrated with lively processions of wooden dragons along the streets where participants make obligatory stops to drink wine, in remembrance of a legend of Buddhist monk who slayed a sea dragon and saved a village from certain death.
Tung Ng Festival, Monday 2 June 2014
In mainland China, Tung Ng Festival is better known as the Dragon Boat or Duanwu Festival. Rowers join dragon boat competitions to reenact the attempt to rescue China’s eminent scholar Chu Yuan from drowning and getting eaten by fish. In line with this tradition, people also throw cooked rice into the water and eat rice dumplings.
The Day Following Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, Tuesday 9 September 2014
The Mid-Autumn Festival is the Chinese version of harvest festival. Traditionally, the moon, which is said to be at its brightest during this period, was worshipped by the Chinese emperor. Modern Chinese celebrate this day by eating the famous moon cake which comes in a variety of fillings and flavors.
National Day of the People Republic of China, Wednesday 1 October 2014
On this day in 1949, China, under the leadership of Mao Zedong, announced its transition to a people’s republic. This day is celebrated in Macau with various government-organized events, fireworks and even concerts. Posters of the Dear Leader are prominently displayed in strategic locations for several days leading to this holiday.
Chung Yeung (Chongyang) Festival, Thursday 2 October 2014
This day commemorates an incident when people during the rule of the Han dynasty fled to the mountains to escape slaughter. Also known as the Festival of Ancestors or the Double Ninth Festival because it is observed on the ninth day of the ninth month, Chung Yeung Festival is the autumn counterpart of the spring Tomb Sweeping Day. Families clean up the graves of their departed, and in keeping with the legend, hike to the mountains or any high ground. The elderly are also given special recognition on this day, and are included in outdoor activities to improve their well-being and longevity.
All Souls’ Day, Sunday 2 November 2014
On this day, Christian families visit the graves of their departed to clean their tombs, say prayers and light candles.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Monday 8 December 2014
It is believed that on this day, the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived without sin. Mass is offered on this day.
Macau S.A.R. Establishment Day, Saturday 20 December 2014
On this day in 1999, Portugal transferred sovereignty over Macau to the Chinese government. The establishment of Macau as a Special Administrative Region of China is celebrated with parades, government-led activities and extravagant fireworks. Historical institutions in Macau like museums normally offer lectures and free admission to disseminate information about this historic milestone.
Winter Solstice, Monday 22 December 2014
This day, when the sun is at its weakest and daylight shortest, is celebrated with family reunions where balls of glutinous rice and ground peanuts are dunked in water, ginger and rock sugar to signify solidarity.
Christmas Holidays, Wednesday to Friday, 24 to 26 December 2014
Macau Christians join the worldwide Christian community in celebrating the birth of their savior.
Reference:
http://www.amcm.gov.mo/holiday/Holiday.htm
