Culture
Macao is one of the earliest port cities that China opened up to the world, as well as a crucial node and trading hub of the Maritime Silk Road. Chinese and Westerners have been living in the same territory harmoniously for over 400 years, while exerting influence on one another, contributing to the formation of Macao’s culture that features a blend of Eastern and Western characteristics and a sense of inclusiveness. After Macao’s handover to China, the city has won itself three prestigious titles on the international stage, namely the city of ‘World Cultural Heritage’, ‘the Memory of the World’ and ‘the Creative City of Gastronomy’, which have immensely elevated its image as a cultural city. Coupled with the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Macao will invest greater efforts in establishing itself as ‘a hub of exchange and co-operation where traditional Chinese culture prevails and other cultures flourish in harmony’.
Following its policy of promoting Chinese culture whilst preserving the unique pluralistic cultural heritage of Macao, the operation of the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC thereafter) comprises of different sectors, including cultural heritage, exhibition and museums, performances, creativity and public libraries.
In addition to the promotion, transmission and the promotion of the tangible and intangible cultural heritages, the IC hosts various cultural and artistic exhibitions, reading promotions and cultural dissemination activities, through the two professional orchestra and mega cultural and artistic events, the IC also promotes multi-culture and art transmission, dissemination, exchange and cooperation, so as to enhance the cultural literacy and aesthetics. Meanwhile, the government encourages non-governmental organisations and cultural workers to organize cultural activities and artistic creation, so as to enrich residents’ life, as well as enhancing the humanity essence of as World Centre of Tourism and Leisure and the cultural image of Macao. In addition, the Government has granted subsidies to aid non-governmental organisations and cultural workers in organising different forms of cultural activities and art creation to enrich the cultural life of Macao residents.
Cultural Heritages and Intangible Cultural Heritages of Macao
The Historic Centre of Macao is a living representation of the city’s historic settlement, valuable resource of the sustainable development of Macao, and the product of cultural exchange between the western world and Chinese civilization. The Historic Centre of Macao was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2015, making it the 31st designated World Heritage site in China. In addition, the abundant cultural historical resources of Macao include classifies immovable properties, intangible cultural heritage, archaeological heritage, ancient and famous trees. In order to strengthen the protection of Macao’s valuable cultural resources, including The Historic Centre of Macao, the government made the Law No. 11/2013 – Cultural Heritage Protection Law, which clearly lays down the relevant provisions regarding the protection of Macao’s cultural heritage, such as the scope and method of protection, procedures and standards of the assessment of heritage, legal responsibility and obligation, on the other hand, the Cultural Heritage Committee is set up as consultation body, which established the system of the protection of cultural heritage of Macao SAR. (more)
World Heritage
On 15 July 2015, the 29th meeting of UNESCO World Heritage Committee, the Historic Centre of Macao was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2015, making it the 31st designated World Heritage site in China. The Historic Centre of Macao comprises of 22 classified immovable assets and eight piazzas as well as the streetscapes that links the piazzas and architectural legacies, with its historic street, residential, religious and public Portuguese and Chinese buildings, the historic centre of Macao provides a unique testimony to the meeting of aesthetic, cultural, architectural and technological influences from East and West. (more)
The Historic Center of Macao includes:
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22 classified immovable assets
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| A-Ma Temple | Ruins of St. Paul’s | Moorish Barracks |
| Na Tcha Temple | Mandarin’s House | Old City Walls (Section at Calçada de S. Francisco Xavier) |
| St. Lawrence’s Church | Mount Fortress | St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church |
| St. Anthony’s Church | Dom Pedro V Theatre | Casa Garden |
| Sir Robert Ho Tung Library | Protestant Cemetery | St. Augustine’s Church |
| Guia Fortress | Sam Kai Vui Kun (Kuan Tai Temple) | “Leal Senado” Building |
| Cathedral | Holy House of Mercy | St. Dominic’s Church |
| Lou Kau Mansion | ||
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8 piazzas
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| Barra Square | Lilau Square | St. Augustine’s Square |
| Senado Square | Cathedral Square | St. Dominic’s Square |
| Company of Jesus Square | Camões Square | |
Architectural Heritage
Macao’s abundant cultural heritage has witnessed the harmonious integration of Chinese and Western cultures in the past hundreds of years. In addition to the Historic Center of Macao, there are many properties of cultural significance in Macao. Since the Decree-Law No. 11/2013 – Cultural Heritage Protection Law was passed and promulgated, providing legal protection for all properties of cultural significance, the government will regularly launch cultural heritage evaluation and research, which will eventually include more properties of cultural significance to legal protection. By the end of 2020, protected properties in Macao had been increased from 128 (before Cultural Heritage Protection Law was promulgated) to 159, which are classified into four categories: monuments; buildings of architectural and artistic interest, architectural complexes and sites, scattered across the Macao Peninsula, Taipa, and Coloane. The Government formulates protection measures according to the value and characteristics of the heritage, to promote and pass on cultural traditions. The Government actively safeguards Macao and its cultural heritage, which is characterised by unique multicultural diversity and harmony.
Ruins of St Paul’s College and the old church of Mater Dei
St Paul’s College was established by the Society of Jesuit in 1504, which was the first western-style institution of university level in the China, the old church of Mater Dei was part of the College. The old church of Mater Dei was built from 1602, the foundation still lays on the left of the façade, MATER DEI” is engraved on the front door, which means “Mother of God”. The St Paul’s College and the church was destroyed in a fire in 1835, only the façade of the church, staircase and most of the foundation remained. The local people used to call it “Dai San Ba Pai Fong” because the façade looks similar to Chinese traditional arch, and the transliteration of St. Paul.
St Augustine’s Church
First established by Spanish Augustinians in 1591, the original structure was simple, the rooftop was covered with fan palm leaves. Seen from afar, these leaves appeared to be dragon’s whiskers floating in the wind, hence the local Chinese named it Long Song Miu (Temple of the Long-whiskered Dragon). In 1874, the building was revamped to what people can presently witness. The church has a brick and wood structure, orientating in the north and facing the south, and a simple, neoclassical front. St Augustine’s Church is also the starting point of the event “Procession of Passion of our Lord”. The Procession boasts a long history in Macao. It can be traced back to 1708, is part of the Catholic “Novena of the Passion of Our Lord, the God Jesus”, which takes place on the first Saturday and Sunday of Lent. It starts from the St. Augustine’s Church heading to the Cathedral on the first day and returns on the second day. At each designated “Station” on the return route, a female taking the role of Veronica solos a sorrowful song and responded by a priest and the participants in prayers and songs, giving a sense of grief conveyed in the air. The Procession is inscribed on the List of Intangible Heritage of Macao.
St Dominic’s Church
This church was established in 1587, it was the first church being established in China by Dominican. It was originally built in wood, hence its naming in Chinese as Pan Cheong Tong meaning “Church of Wooden Planks”. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. It was built in baroque style. The façade is symmetrical and divided into four horizontal levels, on the religious insignia of the Dominican order is carried on the centre of the third level. The Treasure of Sacred Art which has a collection of around 300 artefacts dated from the 17th to the 19th century was installed during the restoration of the St Dominic’s Church in 1997.
In 1929, this church integrated the worship of Our Lady of Fatima into its religious service. The Macao Procession of Our Lady of Fatima first took place on the same year. The procession currently takes place on 13 May of each year, is part of the “Feast and Novena of Our Lady of Fatima”, the Procession of Our Lady of Fatima is dedicated to the celebration of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in Fatima, in Portugal, 1917. With recitations of rosary and singing of hymns all along, the procession makes its way from the St. Dominic’s Church to the Penha Chapel, providing a very impressive scene. The religious celebration in Macao shows distinctive features as well as an inscribed item on the List of Intangible Heritage of Macao.
Guia Fortress, Chapel and Lighthouse
Situated on the peak of Guia Hill – the highest point of Macao Peninsular, Guia Fortress was built in 1622 and underwent expansion works from 1637 to 1638. It comprises a barracks, a powder magazine and a tower. Since then, the fortress was classified as a restricted military area, until 1976 when the Portuguese army retreated from Macao. Since then, it has been kept as it was. The chapel next to the lighthouse has been known as Guia Chapel, was built in 1622, dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Guia. In 1996 frescoes were uncovered inside Guia Chapel during routine conservation work. Colourful frescos were painted on the vaulting and the walls inside the chapel. Its painting techniques integrate both Chinese and Western art, is a perfect example of Macao’s multicultural dimension. Guia Lighthouse became operational on the 24th of September of t865. It was the earliest modern lighthouse in the Far East and on the Chinese seacoast. The lighthouse was damaged by a typhoon in September 1874. Its service resumed on the 29th of June 1910, after the conclusion of the repair works.
The Mandarin’s House
The Mandarin’s House is the ancestral home of Zheng Guanying, a pioneering thinker, industrialist, literary writer and humanitarian of modern China. Words of Warning in Times of Prosperity, which Zheng wrote while living in the Mandarin’s House, has been called a masterpiece that pushed forward reform of modern China. It can be traced back to 1869 when Zheng Wenrui, the father of Zheng Guanying, initiated the building of the Mandarin’s House. The Mandarin’s House is a residential complex, as well as the only “Ronglu Hall” (which means House of a Chinese government official) in Macao. The Mandarin’s House has the characteristics of traditional Guangdong’s residences. Yet, it also features a fusion of architectural influences from western cultures. The Mandarin’s House occupies an area of 4000m2, it extends more than 120 metres in depth, on which are buildings and open spaces designed in various architectural styles. The entire complex has more than 60 rooms in total. A private residence for one family of such scale is rare in Macao.
Lou Kau Mansion
Lou Kau Mansion is believed to be built in 1889, which was the former family residence of the prominent merchant of Macao, Lou Va Sio (Lou Kau). Although the house is typically Chinese in its general architectural structure, which represents the Chinese residences featuring the graceful and delicate architectural style in the late Qing dynasty, its decorative motifs also integrate western influences. The Mansion is a two-storey house, organised in a three-by-three grid of space. The inside of the building was designed with several patios to enhance ventilation and natural lighting. Despite being separated by door screens, the space along the central axis is directly accessible. The interior dncor is rather fascinating with a combination of Chinese brick carvings, plasterwork, horizontal panels, hanging openwork arches and oyster shell windows, which are common in central Guangdong, as well as Western false ceilings, Manzhou widows (stained glass windows) and cast-iron handrails. The mansion is a representation of the integration of Chinese and Western architectural styles, which is unique to residences in Macao.
Dom Pedro V Theatre
Built in 1860 as the first Western-style theatre in all of China, the Dom Pedro V Theatre has since served as a performing venue for music, dance and various other kinds of performances. In addition to a theatre, the structure once also housed a ball room, a reading room and a billiard parlour, making it a venue of central importance for the Macanese community at the time. The Theatre was also rented out to local businessmen in the past, for the showing of films, which led to the establishment of the “Macao Cinema for Distinguished Films”. For this reason, the Dom Pedro V Theatre is also known in everyday Chinese as the “Macao Theatre”.
With an exquisite and refined architectural and decorative design, the Dom Pedro V Theatre emanates a strong romantic flavour. Its neoclassical style not only embodies the splendid characteristics of the European theatres of the time, it also integrates beautifully into the Macao environment. White cornice and architrave mouldings define spaces on the sage green exterior walls, which feature doors and shutters in dark green, all housed under a terracotta roof. This contrasting colour palette stands out against the blocks of yellow buildings on Largo de Santo Agostinho, yet it strikes a harmonious chord with its surroundings. The Theatre contains a vestibule boasting an ancient crystal chandelier, which adds an immensely rich artistic ambience and even a sense of mystery to the interior. The performance hall is comfortable and spacious, with a capacity of 275 seats arranged in curved rows. A staircase located at the end of a long side corridor leads up to the semi-circular balcony seating area. Having spent over a century in vivid use by the Macao community, the Dom Pedro V Theatre is now one of the important historic buildings in the Historic Centre of Macao ensemble inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Theatre has survived as a witness to the bygone leisure and entertainment activities of the Macanese community and today remains a tremendously refined and distinctive performing venue for culture and arts, staying true to its traditional function and historic legacy. It stands as one of the most important and enduring testimonies to the development of Macao’s performing arts.
Intangible Cultural Heritage
As a place of meeting cultures, Macao has created the unique cultural landscape for intangible heritage. As of 2021, a total of 70 items in Macao have been recorded on the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, with 12 items inscribed on the List of intangible Cultural Heritage. In addition, 11 items of Macao inscribed on the mentioned National Representative List, including: Cantonese Opera, Herbal Tea Brewing, Woodwork – Religious Figure Carving, Cantonese Naamyam (Narrative Songs), Taoist Ritual Music, Festival of the Drunken Dragon, Belief and Customs of A-Ma, Belief and Customs of Na Tcha, Macanese Gastronomy, Patuá Theatre and Belief and Customs of Tou Tei.
In order to strengthen the protection of Macao’s intangible cultural heritage, when the Macao SAR government prepared Law No. 11/2013 – Cultural Heritage Protection Law, the intangible cultural heritage was included as an object of protection. This law dedicates a specific chapter to protective measures related to the safeguard of Macao’s intangible cultural heritage, also defining the scope of what constitutes intangible cultural heritage, while also establishing the criteria, inventory procedures, emergency response mechanisms and the duties inherent to the transmitters of this type of heritage, among other standards, altogether representing a significant advancement.
The Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage
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Art expressions and items of performing nature
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| Cantonese Opera | Cantonese Naamyam (Narrative Songs) | Taoist Ritual Music |
| Patuá Theatre | Lion Dance | Dragon Dance |
| Saltwater Songs | Baatyam Percussion | Portuguese Folk Dance |
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Social practice, religious practice, rituals and festive events
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| Festival of the Drunken Dragon | Belief and Customs of A-Ma | Belief and Customs of Na Tcha |
| Belief and Customs of Tou Tei | Belief and Customs of Chu Tai Sin | Procession of the Passion of Our Lord |
| Procession of Our Lady of Fatima | Procession of the Dead Lord | Procession of Saint Anthony |
| Feast of Saint John | Procession of Saint Roque | Feast of Saint Martin |
| Feast of Immaculate Conception | Spring Festival | Lantern Festival |
| Sacrifice Offering to the White Tiger on Insect Awakening Day | Cheng Ming (Day of the Departed) | Tung Ng (Dragon Boat Festival) |
| Dragon Boat Racing | Qixi (Single Girls Feast) | Yu Lan (Hungry Ghost Feast) |
| Chong Chao (Mid-Autumn Festival) | Chong Yeong (Worship of the Ancestors) | Winter Solstice Festivities |
| Seak Kam Tong Celebrations | Opening of Kun Iam’s Treasury | Tai Wong Celebrations |
| Pao Kong Celebrations | Festivities of the Day of Kun Iam | Pak Tai Celebrations |
| Festivities of the Day of Buddha | Tam Kong Celebrations | Sin Fong Celebrations |
| Lou Pan Celebrations | Kuan Tai Celebrations | Hong Chan Kuan Celebrations |
| Va Kong Celebrations | ||
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Knowledge and practice regarding nature and the universe
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| Tai Chi Martial Arts | Wing Chun Martial Arts | Choi Lei Fat Martial Arts |
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Conventional skills and techniques of traditional handicrafts
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| Herbal Tea Brewing | Woodwork – Religious Figure Carving | Macanese Gastronomy |
| Craft of Bamboo Scaffolding | Manufacture and Painting of Portuguese Azulejos | Manufacture of Cantonese Porcelain |
| Micro Engraving in Porcelain | Dough Sculpture | Manufacture of Incense Sticks |
| Seong Ka Carpentry | Making of Chinese Cheongsam | Making of Chinese Wedding Garments |
| Confection of Custard Tarts | Confection of Dragon Beard Candy | Confection of Chinese Pastries |
| Confection of Almond Biscuits | Confection of Traditional Chinese Wedding Cakes | Making of Traditional Chinese Sauces |
| Confection of Preserved Fruits | Macanese Gastronomy – Confection of the Alua | Making of Jook-Sing Noodles |
Exhibition Facilities and Museums
The Department of Exhibition and Museums manages a number of museums and exhibition facilities. The museums cover themes such as history, culture, art, humanity, traditional industries and religion, which includes the Museum of Macao, Macao Museum of Art, Museum of Taipa and Coloane, Zheng Guanying Memorial Museum, Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum, Former Chong Sai Pharmacy, General Ye Ting’s Former Residence and Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business. Exhibition facilities are mainly used for visual art exhibitions, such as Tap Seac Gallery, Macao Contemporary Art Center – Navy Yard No.1, Mong-ha Villa, Mount Fortress Corridor and Former Municipal Cattle Stable.
Macao Museum
The Macao Museum was opened on 18th April 1998. The Macao Museum showcases Macao’s history and cultural diversity. With their rich and profound historical and cultural connotations, the exhibits in the museum demonstrate the historical changes of Macao over the past centuries. The Macao Museum, which opened on 18 April 1998, is three storeys high. Two floors are built under the platform of Mount Fortress, while only the top floor is converted from the ground building of the original weather observatory, thus retaining the original architectural style and geomorphological features of Mount Fortress to the maximum.
The first floor of the museum presents the development of Chinese and Western culture before the Portuguese arrival in the 16th century, Macao’s early history and the development of its culture, influenced by the commercial activities between the Chinese and the Portuguese, and by religious and cultural contact between the two civilizations, as well as the culture of Macao which is developed from then on; the second floor shows various aspects of the traditions and folk arts of Macao, as well as its religious ceremonies and traditional festivals of Macao; the third floor features current city life and highlighting the portrayal of the region by various literary and artistic personalities.
Macao Museum of Art
The Macao Museum of Art (MMA) was founded on 19th March 1999. The total area of the Museum is 10,192 square metres, of which exhibition areas occupy 4,000 square metres. It is the largest and only museum fully dedicated to the arts in Macao. The Macao Museum of Art is a five-storey building with various exhibition areas and galleries. On the fourth floor are 2 special exhibition rooms, mainly used to display artifacts, painting and calligraphic collections. There are 3 special exhibition rooms on the third floor to display MMA collections and the works of local artists. 2 exhibition zones on the second floor showing contemporary collections and works of western artists. On the ground floor locates exhibition area, reception, museum shop, the Palace Museum Cultural and Creativity Store as well as the auditorium. On the level zero, there is also a workshop where various art courses are regularly organised.
Currently, the MMA has over 16,000 collections, which mainly includes Cantonese calligraphy and painting, historical painting, Shiwan ceramics, Macao images, art of Macao and performance. In addition, MMA regularly cooperates with exhibition museums of Mainland China and other regions for different types of exchanges and exhibitions. MMA also organizes various kinds of exhibitions of local artists’ work. MMA has being organizing local artists to participate in Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition under the name of “Macao-China” since 2007, thereby promoting Macao’s contemporary art on the international stage.
Handover Gifts Museum of Macao
The Handover Gifts Museum of Macao is also the area that was used for the handover ceremony on 20th December, 1999 in which Macao was returned to the Mainland. When the hall was dismantled after the ceremony the area became part of the Macao Cultural Centre. Construction work for the Handover Gifts Museum of Macao started in March 2003 and was completed in October 2004. The Museum was officially opened December 2004 to commemorate the handover for its significance in Macao’s modern history.
The handover gifts exhibition hall mainly exhibits the handover gifts presented by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, its country-wide provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The designated topic exhibition hall will be used to hold different exhibits, which are mainly themed at the local culture and history of Macao. In 2020, the “Patrioctic Education Base for Young People” was established under the management of the Education and Youth Development Bureau.
Jao Tsung-I Academy
The academy was established in 2015 to introduce the public to the academic achievements of Professor Jao, and promote Chinese culture and arts, as well as promulgating Chinese culture and arts and promoting academic exchange related to sinological studies. There are two exhibition rooms, one on the ground floor and the other one of the first floor. Besides, there is a library and an auditorim which be used for holding exhibitions, seminar, and workshops, while higher priority will be given to Chinese traditional cultural related activities. The Jao Tsung-I Academy, Tap Seac Galleery and its peripheral buildings were all constructed during the same period, together forming a unique cluster of historic monuments, is one of Macao’s designated heritage sites.
The House of Macao Literature
Inaugurated on 17 September 2022, The House of Macao Literature is located at no. 95A-B, Av. do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida. Constructed in the 1920s, the building was formerly a residence for civil servants and now part of the ‘no. 89-95G, Av. do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida’ ensemble which is among the Classified Immovable Properties in Macao.’ The house consists of the main building, ancillary building, and an inner and an outer garden. The main building comprises four spaces, namely a permanent exhibition room dedicated to themed exhibitions in relation to Macao literature, a reading room where a rich variety of literary works and selected books are available for the public to read, and two multifunction rooms which can be used for small exhibitions, talks and film screenings. The ancillary building is not open to the public and the inner and outer gardens are open for visits.
The Taipa Houses
The Taipa Houses were built in 1921; consist of five Portuguese buildings once serving as the residences of senior civil servants and Macanese families.
The five houses are ‘Macanese Living Museum’, ‘Exhibitions Gallery’, ‘Creative Casa’, ‘Nostalgic House’ and ‘House for Receptions’ from west to east, respectively. This project has converted the place into a combination of culture and creativity, with outdoor performances and leisure elements making it a showcase of not only the culture of the Portuguese-speaking countries but of culture from all over the world.
Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum
In commemoration of the great Macao-born musician Xian Xinghai, the Macao SAR Government has established the Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum to exhibit his exemplary life paths and promote his musical achievements. The Museum was inaugurated on 23 November, 2019. In September 2020, the museum was inscribed on the Third Batch of National Anti-Japanese War Memorial Facilities and Sites.
Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum was inaugurated in 1987. The former location was a two- storey house situated in the Largo do Pagode da Barra. However, because of increasing visitors and the acquisition of collections, it was necessary to move to a more spacious premises. For this reason, a new building was erected for the purpose and was inaugurated on June 1990, in the same square as the original house, (now used for the Museum offices) and at the side of the A-Ma Temple.
The architectural façade of the Museum gives the viewer an impression of a stylized vessel. The exhibition area is divided into three storeys with different features, mainly on the Chinese and Portuguese voyages and discoveries, the exhibitions not only reflected the historical development of Macao, it also systematically portraying the remarkable achievements of China and Portugal in maritime history, and explains the importance of the sea to human culture.
The Museum includes a gallery of aquariums and a nice esplanade by the river with a bar.
Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum
To commemorate the people’s musician Xian Xinghai who was born in Macao, the Macao SAR government established the Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum to introduce Xian Xinghai’s life story and promote his musical achievements.
Opened on November 23, 2019, the Xian Xinghai Memorial Museum is located at No. 151-153, Rua de Francisco Xavier Pereira. The Museum has been incorporated into the List of State Facilities and Sites Marking the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (the third of its kind) since September 2020.
Pátio da Eterna Felicidade
The Pátio da Eterna Felicidade also known as “Alley of Eternal Happiness” in Chinese, situates at foot of the west of the Mount Fortress and adjacent to the Ruins of St. Paul’s and St. Anthony’s Church. It is lined by traditional Chinese residential buildings of varying heights but in a coherent style, which and gives a sense of uniqueness in space and ambience. The Pátio da Eterna Felicidade shows the distinctive characteristics of pátios, is one of the well-preserved alleyways of Macao which are rare to find in Macao nowadays. In 1940s, Hip Lu San donated the ownership of the area to the Kiang Wu Hospital Charitable Association. After using the area for charitable purpose for over a half century, the Association donated 13 buildings in the area to the government of Macao to continue the cultural value of neighbourhood and multi-culture of Macao. The Pátio is mainly used as performance facility.
Ka Ho Village
In the Ka Ho Village stands the only old site of Leprosy Centre. In 1885, the Portuguese government built the Ka Ho Leprosy Center which was originally one or two simple brick houses. The Centre was rebuilt and expanded to five houses and a small chapel in the 1930s, more buildings were constructed thereby to meet the actual need. the houses which stand up until today were built and occupied by the patients. The Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows was constructed in 1966, the small chapel was then turned into an activity room. In 1953, Father Gaetano Nicosia, an Italian priest of Salesian community moved to Macau to look after the leprosy center, the Ka Ho Leprosy Center was later changed into Our Lady of Sorrows, symbolized the care of Holy Mary.
Currently there is an activity canter in the village, an exhibition to introduce the history of the Ka Ho Village, and a gallery and café operated by local organization, which assists rehabilitated persons to return to the society.
The Patane Night Watch House
The Patane Night Watch House is the only remain of the night watch house in Macao. In order to reveal the traditional values of mutual assistance, which took place between different neighbourhoods and local communities, the Cultural Affairs Bureau and Patane’s Tou Tei Mio Mercy and Charity Association work together to rehabilitate the Patane Night Watch House to showcase the history of the night watch profession of Macao and folk traditions and local history. The Night Watch House was officially opened to the public on the 18th of December, 2015
The Na Tcha Exhibition Room
The Na Tcha Customs and Beliefs of Macao having been passed down from generation to generation, were inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2014. In order to foster and promote the Na Tcha Customs and Beliefs, in 2012 the Na Tcha Exhibition Room was established adjacent to the Na Tcha Temple, which was used exclusively as a cultural facility to introduce and showcase the artifacts and historical document of the Na Tcha Customs and Beliefs.
Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory
Macao’s firecracker industry began to develop rapidly in the 1920s and became an economic backbone in local industrial development with the establishment of several factories in Taipa, making firecrackers an important export back then. In the heyday of the industry from 1950s to 1970s, many Taipa residents engaged in firecracker manufacturing, and the firecracker industry was closely related to people’s livelihood and the community in Taipa, playing a vital role in Macao’s economic development history. The Iec Long Firecracker Factory operated from 1925 until 1984 and the bygone factory layout and environment have been retained, making itself the only well-preserved heritage site of the firecracker industry in Macao. It not only reflects the prosperity of the local traditional firecracker manufacturing in the 20th century, but also bears witness to the city’s modern industrial development. The site, which has been open to the public since 23 December 2022, includes a walkway, an exhibition hall and a cultural and creative souvenir shop.
Lai Chi Vun Shipyards
The Lai Chi Vun Shipyards were constructed in the 1950s and ceased operation in the 1990s. Located on the riverside of Lai Chi Vun Road, the shipyards are similar in size, built in parallel rows, and perpendicular to the water, constituting a modular cluster and creating a particular landscape that reflects the perfect harmony between the natural environment and the man-made structures. The Lai Chi Vun Shipyards, a heritage of shipbuilding crafts, is the only extant and well-preserved shipbuilding industry site in Macao and bears witness to the urban development, shipbuilding industry status and lifestyle in Macao during that time. At present, Plots X11-X15 of the first phase revitalization of the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards have been open to the public starting 24 June 2023, featuring an exhibition, featured market, performance space and workshops.
Cultural and Arts Events
Art Macao
The biennale Art Macao is a local cultural tourism brand created by the government departments and enterprises, enhancing urban experience of the audience by turning the entire city into a gallery, to foster international exchange and collaboration and promote the art development of Macao. Art Macao will continue to encourage local talents to focus to art, meanwhile encourages local enterprises to purchase local creations, so as to establish a platform for developing local creative industry to the world.
Macao Arts Festival
Started in 1988, the Macao Arts Festival dramatically lights up the city every early summer. The one-month Macao Arts Festival brings together theatre, dance, music, multimedia and visual arts in an artistic panorama of events. A mix of local, regional and international performers from various regions and countries around the world present a diversity of programmes and a host of exciting artistic experiences such as workshops, master classes, art accessibility activities and videos rich in diverse and outstanding content, bringing incredible art to the public.
Macao International Music Festival
The first edition of Macao International Music Festival was held in 1987 and has since developed into a month-long event held in October each year. In organising this event, it is not only a platform to showcase the exquisite musical skills of local musicians, it also hopes to introduce outstanding musical works from different parts of the world to Macao. It features a variety of programmes, from classical opera, symphony, chamber music, vocal music, Chinese music, jazz and Latin American music to avant-garde music, providing Macao residents and tourists with a diversity of quality music programmes.
Encounter in Macao – Arts and Cultural Festival between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries
In order to fully comply with strengthening Macao’s role as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and highlight the charm of a multicultural city, using Macao as a platform to promote regular cultural exchange between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. “Encounter in Macao – Arts and Cultural Festival between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries” is first launched in 2018. It includes a variety of activities such as Chinese and Portuguese traditional dancing, film panorama of China and Portuguese-speaking countries, annual art exhibition of China and Portuguese-speaking countries.
“hush!Full Music” Beach Concert
“hush!Full Music” Beach Concert invites artists and bands from Macau and Asia to offer different kinds of music, and it the most anticipated music event in Macau, as well as a major Macau cultural brand.
Macau City Fringe Festival
The Fringe brings all kinds of artistic and creative works to the city, breaking the barriers of the traditional performance venues. Adopting the concept “All around the city, our stages, our patrons, our artists”, the Fringe not only encourages the participation of artists and producers but also invites the general public to participate in it as venue provider.
Professional Orchestra
The Macao Orchestra
The Macao Orchestra (OM) is a local professional orchestra with a repertoire of Chinese and Western classics throughout the times.
In 1983, Father Áureo de Castro of the St. Pious X Academy of Music and a group of music lovers founded the Macao Chamber Orchestra. In 2001, the Macao Chamber Orchestra was extended into an orchestra with double winds; it was renamed the Macao Orchestra. Today, it has developed into a professional orchestra of outstanding musicians from different countries and regions. Many concerts and outreach programme would be held, presenting to the public, comprehensively and systematically, classics from both Western and Chinese in each season. Since February 1, 2022, the Macao Orchestra is being managed by the Macao Orchestra Company, Limited, which is wholly owned by the Macao S.A.R. Government. In the future, the Orchestra will continue to enhance its professionalism, offering a rich diversity of top classical musical events to the public.
The Macao Chinese Orchestra
The Macao Chinese Orchestra, established in 1987. Upholding the tenet “Based in Macao while embracing the world and promoting culture with East-meets-West repertoire”, the Orchestra has been presenting traditional Chinese music reflecting the spirit of the times, bringing excellent works to Macao fans, and allowing the public to access the genre at ease while also promoting Macao’s positive image to the world. Themed on fusion and integration, and based on cooperation. The Macao Chinese Orchestra has been strengthening its performance skills and concepts, upgrading its performance and developing into an outstanding orchestra with distinctive vitality. It is taking full advantage of the blend of Chinese and Western cultures in Macao, the Macao Chinese Orchestra has acted as the cultural ambassador of the SAR government to promote Macao abroad, while supporting local culture in the domestic market, and continuing to build Macao as a city of cultural sustainability.
The Macao Chinese Orchestra was the only professional Chinese orchestra in Macao, under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government. From February 1, 2022, it is managed by the Macao Orchestra Company, Limited, which is wholly owned by the Macao S.A.R. Government.
Cultural and Creativity Activities and Facilities
Tap Siac Craft Market
Since 2008, the Tap Siac Craft Market is held twice every year in Spring and Autumn, providing a platform for cultural and creative practitioners to display and sell their products. The “Tap Siac Craft Market” is a distinctive brand in the cultural and creative market, it attracts both local and overseas creative talents featuring booths to showcase their creativity. During the event, various handicraft workshops will be held, in which experienced creative instructors will teach the participants handicraft skills, allowing the public to explore and enjoy the fun of creation, and wonderful music performance will be held.
Cinematheque‧Passion
The Cinematheque‧Passion was inaugurated in 2017, as an interactive and exchange platform for audience and filmmakers, the Cinematheque is taking the role of promoting film culture and Macao films widely, cultivating art sense to Macao people and film lovers, where Locals and tourists can enjoy more high-quality films from different parts of the world. The Cinematheque‧Passion is a three-storey multifunctional building assembled including film screening, local video storage, exhibition, as well as film journals and book reading services. The ticket office, screening room and control room are located on the ground floor. Local film materials and videos, periodicals and magazines are available for residents in the film information room on the first floor. It also provides exhibition area to hold related activities.
Macao Fashion Gallery
Macao Fashion Gallery was established in 2012, taking the role of Fashion Showroom and Fashion retail. It eventually becomes the most comprehensive hub for showcasing local designed fashion and apparel, devoting to establish a professional image for local fashion brand and create a sense of fashion creativity, as well as an exchange platform for audience and fashion designer. Macao Fashion Gallery holds exhibitions, pop-up stores, seminars, workshops and other activities regularly. It has gradually become a selling and displaying venue assembling Macao fashion design and attracted visitors from various regions.
Anim’Arte NAM VAN
Jointly managed by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Sports Bureau, the Macao Government Tourism Office and University of Tourism, “Anim’Arte NAM VAN” was inaugurated in 2016, which transforms Nam Van Lakeside Plaza into a waterfront leisure hub with a distinct character combining creativity, leisure and dining. The project aims to provide residents and tourists with diverse tourism experience, thereby enhancing Macao’s cultural tourism products offerings.
In order to foster the creative environment and beautifies the facilities in Anim’Arte NAM VAN, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has been inviting local and foreign artists to exhibit creative works in the Anim’Arte NAM VAN graffiti display area by forging further collaborations with different artists.
Nam Van C-Shop
Nam Van C-Shop started operation since 2012, being a platform to the promote, demonstrates and sell local original products, to create condition necessary for industry cluster and integrated marketing. The Cultural Affairs Bureau invites entities to operate in C-Shop through public tender and Cloé Jewelry Concept Store starting operation since 2021, selling local original jewelry, and incorporating coffee element into the store, creating a distinctive original jewelry concept store.
Mandarin’s House Store
Operated by HOHO – DESIGN, the Mandarin’s House Store has incorporated the characteristics of Lingnan-style residential houses to create the traditional ambience of an old shop in Macao. Visitors can purchase cultural and creative products of local brands and overseas designers, souvenirs themed on the Mandarin’s House, as well as creative products related to local cultural events.
Creative Casa of Taipa Houses
The Cultural Affairs Bureau is leasing out the Creative Casa of Taipa Houses to companies in the cultural and creative industry by public tender. The Universal Gallery and Bookstore successfully won the public tender and has started their operation of a composite space combining bookstore and art gallery. The ground floor is a bookstore, mainly selling books on humanities, social sciences, art design and local publications, while the first floor is an exhibition area showcasing and selling artworks by outstanding local and foreign artists.
The ‘House for Receptions’ of Taipa Houses
The Cultural Affairs Bureau has opened a tender for the ‘House for Receptions’ at Taipa Houses and it is now operated by ‘Lubuds Macau Limited’ who will set up a restaurant dedicated to promoting Macanese gastronomy and culture in the house, which is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Tap Siac Square Commercial Centre (R2 & R3)
The Cultural Affairs Bureau has opened a cultural and creative shop and a dining space at the Tap Siac Square Commercial Centre by leasing out the commercial spaces through public tenders. The Universal Gallery and Bookstore Tap Siac (R2) at the Tap Siac Square Commercial Centre (a.k.a Glass House) is operated by the Oporto (Macau) Trading Company Limited. The shop is a complex space combining a bookstore, a gallery and art studios, as well as a dining space featuring a coffee shop, light meals and a takeaway service. In addition to exhibiting and selling local cultural and creative products and books, the shop will also invite local and overseas artists to hold exhibitions, cultural activities and art workshops, thereby providing a comfortable reading and exhibition environment associated with the cultural and creative atmosphere around the Tap Siac Square. The Portuguese Taste (R3) operated by the School of Arts and Crafts of Casa de Portugal em Macau (CPM) offers Portuguese cuisine and sells handicrafts created by its teachers and students as well as local artists.
Publication, Archive, Libraries and Reading Promotion Scheme
Publication of Cultural Affairs Bureau
The Cultural Affairs Bureau continues to publish books and periodicals related to local literature, history and art, such as “Review of Culture”, “Macao Culture Collection”, meanwhile, the Bureau organizes various academic activities such as Masters of Culture, seminars on the culture of “One Belt, One Road”. In addition, the Bureau participates book exhibitions with local entities, to actively promote local publications and build up cultural brand of Macao.
Cultural Affairs Bureau Online Book Shop
Launched in 2020, the Cultural Affairs Bureau Online Book Shop provides readers in Macao and overseas with a simple and convenient online channel to purchase selected publications of the Cultural Affairs Bureau. More than 380 books and periodicals in languages including Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese and English are available for purchase. The genres are richly diverse, covering history, literature, visual exhibitions, performing arts, culture and academic research. On this online book shop, the electronic payment platform is stable and fast. After purchase, readers in Macao can select and pick up their orders from one of our 13 public libraries across the Macao Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane, while overseas readers will receive their orders through EMS by the Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau.
Macao Archives
The Macao Archives is the master archive in Macao. The archive is mainly responsible for collecting, organising, safekeeping and protecting Macao documents of historical value and providing access to them for the general public. The archive currently houses more than 60,000 archive files, 70,000 images, 10,000 books and journals. The media are mostly in paper format. Other formats include photographs, slides, sound tapes, discs, and objects. The main language of the files is Portuguese. The earliest file can be traced back to the year 1630. The Archives receives records from the public services as well as records donated by organizations and individuals in the community. The Archives’ website provides access to full text version of records and documentation which are integrated into an online catalogue.
Macao Public Library
Founded in 1895, the Macao Public Library is under the auspices of the Department of Public Library Management, Cultural Affairs Bureau. Comprising 16 public libraries, one Western language library, and the Macao ISBN Agency, it houses a collection of over one million books and multimedia items, including books, newspapers, periodicals, literature, audio-visual materials and various types of electronic resources covering various disciplines in order to meet the knowledge needs of the general public in the areas of society, education, information and leisure.
The libraries organize free reading promoting activities such as seminars, workshops, reading club, lectures, exhibitions and outreach promotions, according to the collections and atmosphere of the libraries, by which encouraging residents to utilize book resources, enriches cultural life of residents, foster the connection between residents and community, promotes the resources and services of the libraries, and hence nurtures the interest to reading of residents of different age. In order to foster the cultural interaction between cities in the Greater Bay area, promote and utilize the cultural resources of Guangdong and Macao, strengthen the cooperation between libraries, Macao Public Library and public libraries in Greater Bay Area jointly organizes cultural exhibitions and reading activities, aiming to enhance the attractiveness and contagiousness of reading-for-all activities, to promote the initiative of reading in the Greater Bay Area.
Cultural Transmission
Macao Conservatory
Established in 1989, the Macao Conservatory is a subsidiary of the Cultural Affairs Bureau. It comprises the Schools of Dance, Music and Theatre, and is a formal public institution that nurtures local performing arts talents. With a motto of “Respect art; adore aesthetics; be learned; and be dedicated” and a mission of “Emphasising professionalism and popularisation; integrating arts and life”, the conservatory implements a dual-track policy of providing both professional and general arts education. By offering the public a range of systematic, regular, and continuous arts education programmes in dance, music and theatre, the conservatory promotes cultivation of humanity values among the general public; while by establishing a music curriculum for secondary schools, it nurtures knowledgeable and creative performing arts talents.
Cultural Transmission Month
IC organizes Cultural Transmission Month in order to enhance the residents’ understanding towards the concept of cultural transmission, and encourages more residents to take part in cultural transmission and dissemination. IC takes the initiative to enlighten the public of cultural transmission by holding highlight events and activities, to reach out to the community, connect lives and experience culture in daily lives, all sectors of the community are welcomed to participate, and enjoy the cultural journey.
Macao Young Musicians Competition
‘Macao Young Musicians Competition’ (CJMM, the Competition) seeks to promote the development of classical music and provide opportunities for young local musicians to gain valuable stage experience and enhance their performance abilities, as well as to encourage participants to discover their musical potential, help them explore professional development in music and possibly embark on a musical career.
Macau Youth Arts and Culture Programme
To enhance talent cultivation, promote cultural inheritance and innovative development, foster the youth’s growth with culture, maximise the utilisation of resources and extend the influence of activities, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has launched the brand-new ‘Macau Youth Arts and Culture Programme’ targeting secondary students by consolidating existing activities such as the Cultural Ambassador Programme, Cultural Heritage Little Guide programme, and Macao Museum Children Docents programme.
Launched in 2023, the ‘Macau Youth Arts and Culture Programme’ provides a three-year phased training course which covers knowledge learning, field trips, practices, cultural experience days and exchange visits, and encompasses a rich variety of course content, including the historical and cultural heritage of Macao, Macao museums and archaeological knowledge, docent theories and skills, theatrical and cultural creative space explorations, book publishing and binding, and dissemination of cultural knowledge. Trainees who have completed the fundamental learning phase will be certified as ‘Student Cultural Ambassadors of the Cultural Affairs Bureau’, and will continue to join advanced training sessions and various art and cultural projects in a bid to understand and participate in cultural endeavours from diverse prospectives and serve as vanguards to facilitate the promotion of culture and art. With the continual progression of this programme, the Cultural Affairs Bureau will encourage more local youths to engage in cultural inheritance and dissemination and expand the cultural dissemination team in the city.
Busking Programme
Launched in 2016, the Busking Programme allows Buskers to showcase their art talents via street performance at designated areas, and provide more platforms to demonstrate their creative skills, at the same time to introduce domestic and overseas quality street performances, and revitalize the community and create cultural atmosphere.
Exhibition and Performance Facilities
Macao Cultural Centre
The Macao Cultural Centre comprises the Auditoria Building, the Macao Museum of Art Building, Macao Cultural Centre Square and the Handover Gifts Museum of Macao. The Auditoria Building contains two performance venues – one a 1,076-seat multipurpose complex theatre, while the other is a 389-seat mini-theatre. The Macao Cultural Center’s several venues provide quality programmes, such as performances, conferences, exhibitions, and is actively promoting all kinds of artistic and cultural activities, enhancing the artistic atmosphere of Macao.
Art and Cultural Space Releasing Programme
The Art and Cultural Space Releasing Programme was launched in 2019 to make active response to public’s needs on art and cultural space. By integrating and increasing the functions of the cultural facilities, IC is opening up more art and cultural space to the public, currently there are 20 facilities, providing a total of 51 space to meet the need of local organizations and individuals, for rehearsal, performance, exhibition and integrated purposes.
Cultural Information Platform
The official websites of the Cultural Affairs Bureau provides cultural services information regarding cultural activities, performances, exhibitions, heritage protection, promotion of arts education, and academic research, subsidy programme as well as service information of the cultural facilities. Furthermore, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has established the Macao Heritage Net and Macao World Heritage Net provide information of the cultural heritage and World Heritage of Macao; the Macao Cultural and Creative Industries Website to promote the exchange of information in the cultural and creative industries and deepen the understanding of other sectors regarding development of the cultural and creative industries.
To give residents and tourists a convenient and comprehensive access to various local events and highlights, the Macao SAR Government launched the events of Macao website ‘Enjoy Macao’ (trial version) on 29 April 2023 to collectively display the events run by government departments, tertiary institutions and integrated resort operators, so as to facilitate the public’s search for event information through a ‘one-stop’ platform.
In order to convey cultural related information more conveniently, the Cultural Affairs Bureau launched different social media platform such as Official WeChat account “IC_ART_Macao” , Facebook page “IC Art”, Instagram page “artmacao”, as well as Youtube channel “IC Macao”.
Sports
Sports in Macao
The Public Sports Facilities Network of Sports Bureau includes over 40 sports venues, which are located in most districts and continuously improved to meet the needs of different sports. Besides, Sports Bureau organizes various Fitness and Recreational activities in response to the ever-changing demands of users and to encourage residents towards building healthy lives.
Sport for All
The government has been undertaking continued efforts to provide exercise opportunities for residents of different age and social classes, and enrich the elements of Sport for all to promote active participation of residents, with a view to achieving physical and mental wellbeing, enriching leisure time and promoting social harmony. In addition, Sports Bureau organizes various Fitness and Recreational Classes every year so that residents can physically exercise under the guidance of qualified instructors in a safe environment.
The Bureau regularly organizes a Sport for All Fitness and Recreational Class; please visit the following link for class timetable or follow the FaceBook page “Trend on Macau Sport for All”, the Official WeChat account “澳門體育” and the WeChat Subscription account “澳門特區體育局”.
Sport for All Day
To enhance the quality of life of local residents and to disseminate the important message of sports and exercise for all social classes, Sports Bureau organizes Sports for All Day in various social communities on a monthly basis in order to promote residents’ participation in sport and to achieve the goal of lifelong exercise. (more)
Sports and Health Consultation Service Point
Many Macao residents are voluntarily conducting physical exercises in parks and health walking trails. In order to let residents acquire relevant exercising knowledge and techniques so as to reduce unnecessary injuries, Sports Bureau has initiated a Sports and Health Consultation Service Point every Sunday in public places where residents often voluntarily engage in physical exercise. The Service Point provides residents with messages regarding sport and callisthenic activities, including:
Health Consultation Services: provide health examinations such as blood pressure, heart rate, body height and weight and body fat percentage, as well as professional sports plans and suggestion in order for residents to exercise via more scientific, effective and safer means.
Disseminating messages of Sport for All activities: Sports Bureau disseminates messages about Sport for All activities – including information about Fitness and Recreation Classes and other sports activities. (more)
Sport Events
Macao International Regatta
Macau International Regatta was first organized in order to make effective use of Macau’s marine resources and promote the development of marine sports in 2019. The game was held in the waters to the south of Hac Sa Beach and inner harbor south of Macau Science Center, which were ideal places for water sports with abundant water resources. The event has strengthened athletic exchanges among the cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and provided a platform for local sailing teams to learn and improve their skills through interaction with high-level teams. Macao International Regatta contributes to the development of maritime sports and the diversity of sporting events, which will constantly facilitate Macau’s drive for an international tourism and leisure center.
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Cup 2023 – Year of the Rabbit Celebration Football Tournament
The football tournament was held in 2023 in celebration of the Lunar New Year, which featured invited elite teams from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, including recent Guangdong Super League semi-finalists Guangdong Red Treasure FC and Zhuhai 2030 FC, Eastern of the Hong Kong Premier League, and the 2022 Macau First Division League champion MUST CPK FC, giving the public an intense and energetic sports experience during the festive period.
Macao International 10K
The first Macau International 10K was held in 2021, and it was very popular among long distance runners. The 10km course has been approved and endorsed by the Association of International Marathon and Distance Races (AIMS). There were two race events, a 10km run and an approximately 5km fun run, with a total quota of 10,000 participants. The event attracted runners from Mainland China and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.
Macao International Dragon Boat Races
Dragon boat activity has been promoted as an annual international dragon boat race in Macao since 1979. Athletic teams from different countries are invited to Macao to participate in this sports event enriched with traditional features. Macao International Dragon Boat Races are jointly organised by Macao Sports Bureau and Macao China Dragon Boat Association. While dragon boating is a widely popular festive activity in Macao during the Dragon Boat Festival, the Macao International Dragon Boat Races have grown to become an important sports event in the territory. Year by year, the event attracts an increasing number of participants.
FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League Macao
From 1994 to 2017, Women’s World Volleyball Grand Prix had been held in Macau for 21 times. The event had been recognized by the FIVB for the work of its organizing committee and had been well received by the citizens and visitors. In 2018, the event came back as FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League, with more excellent matches.
FIBA 3X3 World Tour Macau Masters
A global first-class 3×3 basketball tournament initiated by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the FIBA 3X3 World Tour has long attracted attention from media outlets and basketball professionals worldwide and was first held in Macao in 2023. A total of 14 top teams from around the world competed in Macao to take the championship, bringing the spectators a brand-new experience of speed and excitement.
The WTT Champions Macao
The WTT Champions Macao was first held in Macau in 2020 as the first event of the World Table Tennis Tournament (WTT) since its inception. WTT Macau 2020 and WTT Champions Macao 2021 were held in Macao in 2020 and early 2022 respectively. The WTT Table Tennis Tournament is not only a world-class tournament that brings together the best players in the world, but also a creative way to present the sport, bringing a new experience to table tennis fans and audiences of all levels across the world through live events, live streaming and broadcasting.
Macau Grand Prix
Recognised as the most internationally prestigious event on the local calendar, the legendary Macau Grand Prix – edging more than sixth decade since 1954. The FIA Formula 3 World Cup, the FIA GT World Cup and the FIA Touring Car World Cup are among the most important events that have been organized in Macao over the years. The FIA World Cup will be held in three consecutive years, including the FIA Formula 3 World Cup, the FIA GT World Cup and the FIA World Touring Car Cup. The Macau Grand Prix circuit, known as the Guia Circuit, is the only street race in the world that combines car, formula car and motorcycle racing, and was upgraded to an FIA Grade 2 track in 2019.
Macao International Marathon
Its long history dates to 1981 when it was first organised, which is one of the sport activities with the most participants. The race course has been examined and certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) since 1990. It attracts hundreds of long-distance runners from around the world to participate and the number of participants reaches 12,000 in recent years. The picturesque race course goes through the downtown, as well as the Historic Center of Macao and renowned landmark of Macao, so the participants can experience the unique scenery of the past and present of Macao. (more)
Public Sports Facilities Network
The Sports Bureau launched “Public Sports Facilities Network” in 2006, providing venues for residents’ daily exercise, and nurturing elite athletes of Federation of Macao Sport General Association. The venues also host sports and cultural activities in Macao. ( Details )
The venue booking service is divided into individual bookings and group bookings. Individual bookings can be made by visiting the sports facilities or through our online booking system. Residents or groups may rent the venues within the Public Sports Facilities Network according to need. ( Details )
“Sport Easy” Membership Programme
The “Sport Easy” membership programme launched on 14th October 2008 facilitates the use of public sports facilities by Macao residents. The programme seeks to build a complete database of sports participants by encouraging Macao residents to enrol in the programme. It also seeks to simplify procedures for residents registering for activities and booking of facilities. (more)
Athlete Training and Development Centre
The Athlete Training and Development Centre has put into operation to foster the long term development of athletic sports in Macao. The centre is Macao’s first training base, which integrates three main areas of “Training”, “Accommodation” and “Athletic medication”, the centre comprises a training area of over 20,000 square metres, as well as two multi-function sports pavilions, a five-storey training centre, a multifunctional gymnasium and an indoor swimming pool, providing professional and ideal training environment for athletes, with flexibility to fit the needs of different training purposes, helping the athletes to attain higher level.
Sports Medical Centre
The Sports Medical Centre is dedicated to enhancing Macao’s sports development, strengthening residents’ health, and improving athletes’ competitive levels by providing scientific, professional and diversified services. The Centre serves athletes registered with the Federation of Macao Sport General Association, mass sports athletes, disabled sports athletes, school sports athletes, college sports athletes and referrals from the Health Bureau. In addition, the Centre provides physical fitness tests and assessment services to the community.
