This year, to promote the "Parade through Macao, Latin City" around the entire region, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has designed an official Parade Mascot, named "VIVA". Symbolising life and energy, VIVA will lead the Macao community with "Peace, Love and Cultural Integration" on the parade through the streets and alleys of the city, even taking part in some of the performances along the parade route. His participation in this carnival-like event will add jubilance to the Macao Handover celebrations. The Bureau is joining hands once again with the international non-profit organisation ORBIS, after their successful co-operation during last year's Macao International Music Festival. This time, all proceeds from the sale of VIVA mascot souvenirs will go towards ORBIS's efforts in the prevention and treatment of blindness worldwide. The Cultural Affairs Bureau will distribute paper models of the mascot VIVA to stores along the parade route, inviting business owners to assemble the paper model into a unique display for their shop windows, thereby stimulating creativity and encouraging participation within the entire city. This activity will also provide greater exposure for the mascot throughout the community and in the lives of residents. The Bureau also welcomes participation from additional stores not on the parade route, located in other parts of Macao. Interested shop owners may contact the Cultural Affairs Bureau to receive a paper model of VIVA. All businesses displaying the decorated mascot may apply to compete for the "Best VIVA" and "Creativity Awards". Details of this activity will be announced at a later date.
