The birthday of Tam Kung, a child god said to control the weather, falls on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar. It is a tradition for Coloane villagers to celebrate Tam Kung’s birthday with a procession featuring a dancing dragon, gongs and drums, dancers, and in particular, an eye-catching “piu sik” – or “floating colours” – parade.

On this special day in Coloane’s event calendar, young performers dress up in frog costumes for the parade.

A total of 30 performance teams joined this year’s celebration held on 22 May, the lunar calendar date for Tam Kung’s birthday in 2018. Performers seen on Coloane’s streets included: a samba dance team; a team performing Portuguese folk dance; and other teams formed by local associations and sports clubs.

A total of 30 performance teams joined this year’s celebration held on 22 May, the lunar calendar date for Tam Kung’s birthday in 2018. Performers seen on Coloane’s streets included: a samba dance team; a team performing Portuguese folk dance; and other teams formed by local associations and sports clubs.

The parade takes place in Coloane village, passing by streets and alleys and attracting hundreds of onlookers.

An “emperor”, a “queen” and some “maids serving the imperial palace”, pray during the parade for favourable weather in the coming months. Favourable weather conditions were crucial for the well-being of villagers when Coloane was still a fishing community.

Performers in traditional “cheongsam” costumes, represent the continuity of tradition.

Young performers enjoy the parade, despite the hot, sunny conditions.

Tricycle aficionados and bicycle fans also join the celebration.

The celebration concludes with sharing of “happy buns”, a ritual designed to spread the joy and luck conjured by the festival.