Tourism board boasts 79,000 float parade spectators

The two float parades held during the Lunar New Year holidays attracted 79,000 spectators, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has said.

In previous years, the parade was a crucial part of the city’s Lunar New Year celebrations.

This year, the government has incorporated the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region as part of the theme. The Anniversary will be celebrated on Dec. 20.

The two parades occurred in ZAPE District on Feb. 12 and in Northern District on Feb. 17. The floats were on display at the Tap Seac Square until 10 p.m. yesterday.

Fireworks displays, arguably the government’s most preferred celebratory element, were also held on the evenings of Feb. 12, 16 and 24.

Each 15-minute show, set against the backdrop of festive or romantic pop songs,  attracted 160,000 spectators, the MGTO said.

A WeChat game organized by the MGTO was also “well-received” by users, according to the bureau, attracting 68,000 participants to register for the chance to win prizes.

The MGTO sought feedback via  online and offline surveys on each evening’s events.

Surveys targeting visitors were also conducted at border checkpoints. Meanwhile, a special Lunar New Year event website was published listing all events held by different entities from Feb. 8 to Feb. 24.

The MGTO considered these efforts a representation of “Tourism+Festivities” and supporting economic recovery. AL