Lunar New Year Holiday in Macau

The Day: Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in Macau. The holiday usually falls between January 21 and February 20, depending on the lunar calendar.

History and Traditions: Macau's celebration of Lunar New Year has its roots in Chinese history and culture. It is a time for families to come together and honor household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors. Traditionally, it marks the beginning of spring and a new year of farming and harvests.

1. Red Decorations: Homes and streets are adorned with red lanterns and banners, red being a symbol of good fortune.
2. Cleaning: Prior to the festivities, families thoroughly clean their homes to sweep away bad luck.
3. Reunion Dinner: A significant tradition is the reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, where family members gather for a feast that includes symbolic dishes such as fish (prosperity) and dumplings (wealth).
4. Red Packets: Elders give out red packets ('lai see' or 'hongbao') containing money to children as blessings for the new year.
5. Dragon Dances: Colorful parades with dragon and lion dances are common, believed to bring good luck.
6. Firecrackers: Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits.

What People Do: During Lunar New Year in Macau, people engage in a variety of activities:

• Visiting temples to pray for good fortune
• Exchanging gifts with friends and family
• Attending festive events organized by the government or communities
• Enjoying public displays of fireworks
• Going to flower markets to buy auspicious plants
• Participating in gambling activities as it's considered lucky at this time

The holiday period is also characterized by several days off from work, allowing residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves fully in the celebratory atmosphere.