Macao International Parade draws 1,600 performers as officials eye expansion

This year’s Macao International Parade has been declared a success, with authorities now reviewing ways to expand the event and optimize arrangements for future editions.

Speaking to the press yesterday, Leong Wai Man, director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), confirmed that the 2026 parade received an enthusiastic response from both residents and tourists, who particularly enjoyed interacting with the performing troupes.

Alongside the extended community activities, she described the event as a success that has positively enhanced Macau’s image as a tourist city and boosted the local community economy.

This year’s parade featured troupes from various regions, including more than 10 overseas performing groups. Leong stated that authorities will continue to review the event’s effectiveness and take public feedback into account when deciding whether to increase the number of international troupes for next year’s edition.

Regarding the possibility of extending the parade route to different districts, such as the Northern District, Leong acknowledged that factors like traffic must be carefully considered.

On the other hand, the bureau has arranged multiple extended community activities, sending some parade teams into various neighborhoods to allow more of the public to experience the entertainment from the event.

Now in its 12th edition, the parade has seen local participating troupes grow increasingly sophisticated. Leong noted that some local groups have even been invited to perform abroad, effectively promoting Macau’s cultural and tourism image on the international stage.

Looking ahead, Leong expressed her hope to continue developing the event, with the goal of establishing the parade themed “Love, Peace and Cultural Integration” as an internationally branded signature event for the city.

The parade opened at the Ruins of St. Paul’s with performing groups from countries and regions that are key nodes along the Maritime Silk Road across Asia, Europe, and Africa, including France, Indonesia, and Mozambique.

In addition, 50 local Macau groups took part, bringing the total to approximately 1,600 performers.

According to TDM, a representative of a local performing group taking part in the parade for the first time said the overall atmosphere was better than expected. Even under overcast skies, the audience remained very enthusiastic, and they were satisfied with the overall arrangements.

Another local group that has participated in the parade for many years said that along the route, the audience kept interacting with the performing teams, which lifted their spirits. “They were very nice and supportive – interacting and greeting us the whole time.”