Festivities have ignited joy and unity across Hong Kong, Macao, and the Taiwan region as communities celebrate the vibrant traditions of the Spring Festival.
In Macao, the streets were filled with excitement on the first day of the Year of the Snake. A magnificent 238-meter-long golden dragon and 18 spirited lion dancers captivated spectators as they paraded from the historic Ruins of St. Paul’s through Senado Square to the revered A-Ma Temple. Performers dressed as the God of Wealth, the deities Fu, Lu, and Shou symbolizing luck, fortune, and longevity, along with the zodiac snake and Macao’s mascot Mak Mak, added to the festive atmosphere.
Hong Kong embraced the new year with its renowned international parade. Nine elaborate floats accompanied by international troupes of street dancers, folk musicians, samba performers, and acrobats energized the city streets. The floats, featuring giant pandas and iconic Hong Kong-style milk tea, showcased the metropolis’s unique culture and Chinese New Year traditions.
On Wednesday night, a spectacular joint fireworks display illuminated the skies over Xiamen, a coastal city on the Chinese mainland, and Kinmen, an island just off the mainland. Beginning at 8 p.m., nearly 50,000 fireworks were launched simultaneously from both locations. The 30-minute spectacle, divided into themed sections, highlighted the essence of the Spring Festival and the ties across the Taiwan Strait.
This cherished tradition, ongoing since 1987, underscores the deep bonds and shared heritage between the mainland and the Taiwan region, bringing communities together in celebration.
