Organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym), Wynn Resorts Macau, SJM Resorts, S.A., Sands China Ltd., MGM and Galaxy Entertainment Group, the “2026 Macao International Parade” was successfully concluded today (29 March). The participating groups gathered at the Sai Van Lake Square in the evening for the finale performance, where performing groups gave their best performances, offering a cultural feast filled with passion and vibrancy, and showcasing the unique charm of Macao as a city featuring the integration of Chinese and Western cultures.
This year’s Parade centred in the theme “The Maritime Silk Road as a bridge for cultural exchange”, showcasing three treasures of Chinese culture - tea, porcelain and silk – to the world through the dreams and voyages of the Parade’s mascot VIVA. The story started on a mysterious night when VIVA received a revelation from the God of the Sea, which unveiled a cultural mission for him to embark on a journey with three cultural ambassadors, namely tea, porcelain and silk, in order to awaken the world from its slumber. The journey also included the art groups and the public, taking them on an immersive journey that captured the grandeur of landscapes and arts, as well as the coexistence of antiquity and modernity. During the journey, VIVA and his friends explored five sections: “Ocean Treasures”, “Tea Festival”, “Riding the Waves”, European Style” and “Intertwined Galaxy”. Upon the completion of the cultural mission, they then gathered at the Sai Van Lake Square to witness the spectacular finale performance.
The closing performance was presented by local and foreign art groups, featuring diverse artistic performances including dance, acrobatics, stilts, penny-farthing, large balloon installations and percussion. Foreign art groups presented dazzling visual performances, while local extraordinary groups offered passionate dance, cheerleading, street dance and traditional ethnic performances, jointly conveying the concept of “Love, Peace and Cultural Integration”. The finale performance comprehensively showcased the unique charm of Macao as an important node on the Maritime Silk Road, playing its role as a “base for exchange and cooperation with Chinese culture as the mainstream and diverse cultures coexist”, thereby contributing to the development of a vibrant “Cultural Macao”.
In order to extend the festive atmosphere, three sessions of the “Where culture flourishes, happiness happens” outreach activities will be held on 4 April at the Leisure Area at Edf. Lok Yeung Fa Yuen and the Iao Hon Market Park, respectively. The participating groups include the “Indian Cultural and Health Association of Macau”, the “Santo Niño de Cebu in Macau Association”, the “Bisdak Association of Macau”, the “Macau International Association of Oriental Dance” and the “Macau Youth Street Dance Association”, showcasing diverse cultural landscapes from India, the Philippines, and street dance from Macao, spreading a vibrant and diverse cultural atmosphere in the community.
The “2026 Macao International Parade” is jointly organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Wynn Resorts Macau, SJM Resorts, S.A., Sands China Ltd., MGM and Galaxy Entertainment Group, and supported by the Customs of Macao Special Administrative Region, the Municipal Affairs Bureau, the Macao Government Tourism Office, the Public Security Police Force, the Fire Services Bureau, the Education and Youth Development Bureau, the Sports Bureau, the Transport Bureau, the Air Macau Co., Ltd. and the Macao General Union of Neighbourhood Associations. TDM - Teledifusão de Macau S.A. is the designated live television broadcaster. IC expresses its special thanks to the Industry and Commerce Federation of Macau Central and Southern Districts.
For more information about the activities, please visit the website of Macao International Parade (www.icm.gov.mo/macaoparade), follow IC’s official WeChat account “IC_Art_Macao”, the “Macao International Parade” page on Facebook and the Macao activities website “Enjoy Macao”.
