Celebratory events for Buddha’s Birthday, such as drunken dragon and lion dances, will return in physical form May 26.
In the past three years of the Covid-19 pandemic, the event has been suspended. The celebratory event has usually gathered crowds of spectators, photography enthusiasts and pious believers.
At 8:30 a.m. Friday, organizers and marchers will first gather at the Sam Cai Vui Kun located at Central Macau Peninsula for religious rituals, before kicking off the dances at 9:30 a.m.
They will dance and march across various districts across the city.
Dragon boat rice, a traditional rice dumpling, will be handed out at three locations. At 11 a.m. Friday, the rice will be distributed at the Provisional Red Market at Patane District. At noon, the distribution will start at Iao Hon Market. Three hours later, the distribution will return to the Sam Cai Vui Kun.
According to tradition, the rice, which symbolizes auspiciousness, is distributed as a sign of blessing and wishes for longevity and prosperity.
In the evening of May 25, dragon boat rice feasts will be held at the Provisional Red Market and the Sam Cai Vui Kun, which will accommodate people living nearby and volunteers for the event. AL
