2026 Macao International Parade showcases the cultural charm of the Maritime Silk Road
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 held today (29 March). Themed “The Maritime Silk Road as a bridge for cultural exchange”, this year's Parade embodied the concept of “Love, Peace and Cultural Integration”, gathering performing groups from around the world and extraordinary local artists to sing and dance in dazzling costumes through bustling streets rich in cultural atmosphere, comprehensively showcasing 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”.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, O Lam; the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Yang Weiqun; the Director of the Consular Affairs Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Lin Ruhai; the Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, Lin Yuan; the Director of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Wan Sucheng; the Consul General of the Republic of Mozambique in Macao, Rodrigues Victorino Muebe; the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Leong Wai Man; the Acting President of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Lei Si Leng; the Acting Commissioner of the Public Security Police Force of the Macao SAR Government, Ng Sou Peng; the Deputy Director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Wong Ka Ki; the Deputy Commissioner of the Fire Services Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Cheong Chi Wang; the Member of the Administration Committee on Municipal Affairs of the Municipal Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Tam Wai Fong; the Deputy Director of the Macao Government Tourism Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Jennifer Si Tou; the Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Cheang Kai Meng; the Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Choi Kin Long; the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited, Frederic Luvisutto; the Secretary-General of SJM Resorts, S. A., Rui Cunha; the Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd., Dr. Wilfred Wong; the Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary of MGM China Holdings Limited, António Menano; the Director of Corporate Affairs of Galaxy Entertainment Group, Buddy Lam; the Vice President of Customer Services cum Commercial of Air Macau Company Limited, Zhang Yun; the President of the Supervisory Committee of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau, Leong Heng Kao; the Chairman of the Executive Committee of TDM – Teledifusão de Macau, S.A., Lo Song Man; the President of the Industry and Commerce Federation of Macau Central and Southern District, Lei Cheok Kuan, among others.
Gathering art groups from countries and regions along the Maritime Silk Road, building a bridge for cultural exchange
As a signature festive event of Macao, the Parade has entered its twelfth edition since its first edition in 2011, drawing the participation of residents and tourists from around the world. Themed “The Maritime Silk Road as a bridge for cultural exchange”, this year’s Parade featured over 10 art groups from countries and regions along the Maritime Silk Road hubs across Asia, Europe and Africa, including France, Indonesia, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Portugal, Armenia, Turkey, Mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as nearly 50 local art groups, in an estimated total of nearly 1,600 artists bringing a wonderful feast of cultural exchange.
This year, the Parade’s mascot VIVA once again led the parade procession and spectators to depart from the Ruins of St. Paul’s, accompanied by three friends, namely tea, porcelain, and silk, embarking on an immersive journey that captured the grandeur of landscapes and arts, as well as the coexistence of antiquity and modernity. The event also included a distinctive local mascot group, featuring mascots from IC, the Macao Government Tourism Office and five integrated resorts, leading the performing groups to present spectacular performances, showcasing Macao’s profound history, cultural characteristics and global perspectives. The Parade procession also interacted with residents and tourists along the route, sharing the enthusiasm and vitality of the Parade.
Parade procession passed through World Heritage sites; diverse outreach activities received enthusiastic response
The Parade procession set off from the Ruins of St. Paul’s, passed through old streets and alleys in the Historic Centre of Macao and arrived at Largo de S. Domingos, where it interacted closely with residents and tourists. It then proceeded to Senado Square and arrived at the Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van, where a VIVA Carnival was presented featuring distinctive gastronomy stalls, interactive experience games, face painting and other activities to inject even more vibrancy into the event. The VIVA Carnival was held on 28 and 29 March for the first time this year, creating a festive atmosphere before the Parade.
In order to bring quality cultural and artistic resources to the community, the Parade also collaborated with the integrated resorts to launch the “Where culture flourishes, happiness happens” outreach activities. A total of 16 performances are held across various locations from 14 March to 4 April, integrating arts and culture into the city. Among them, 13 performances were held during the promotional period before the event, while the remaining three performances will be presented to the community on 4 April, extending the festive atmosphere of the Parade and allowing more residents and tourists to participate in this cultural feast. In addition, other promotional activities such as voting for the “Most Popular Group” and the “2026 Macao International Parade” Photography Contest, also attracted the participation of many residents and received an enthusiastic response.
Various broadcast channels covered the event, showcasing the charm of the “Cultural Macao”
In order to allow more spectators to enjoy the lively atmosphere and watch the Parade, TDM - Teledifusão de Macau, S.A. broadcasted the entire event live through “TDM Ou Mun”, “TDM Entertainment” TV channels and “Ou Mun - Macau” satellite TV channel. Moreover, outdoor screens were installed at several locations in Macao, including the Iao Hon Garden, the leisure area at Edf. Lok Yeung Fa Yuen, Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro and the outdoor space next to the Flower City Garden, Rua de Coimbra, Taipa. A live broadcast was also offered on several new media platforms online to engage more viewers in the Parade’s vibrant atmosphere in Macao. These channels included the “IC Art” page on Facebook, IC’s Tik Tok account and TDM’s Multimedia platform (including TDM’s website and mobile application and WeChat channel), among others.
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.
