A season of celebration awaits in Macau

This autumn, as Macau prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary as a Special Administrative Region of China, the city plans an amazing schedule of events to commemorate the occasion and to ensure that 2009 goes out with a bang.

The autumn line-up reflects Macau’s unique European and Chinese heritage and diversity and includes a wide range of exciting sporting, cultural and artistic events.

Highlights include:

The 21st Macau International Fireworks Display Contest
(5th September – 1st October 2009)

Held every Saturday throughout September and into October at the waterfront area in front of the Macau Tower, the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, organised by the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), invites teams from across the globe to compete in a pyrotechnic, light and sound spectacular.

The Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has gained worldwide recognition for the quality of the participating teams, the scale and the performance standard. A Fireworks Carnival will also take place on each Saturday night throughout the competition, offering an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights.

The 56th Macau Grand Prix
(19th – 22nd November 2009)

This November, Macau plays host to the 56th Macau Grand Prix and, continuing its tradition of staging an impressive race programme, will once again feature its three headline races: The Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix, which is the official FIA Formula 3 Intercontinental Cup; the final round of the prestigious 2009 FIA World Touring Car Championship (FIA WTCC), the Guia Race of Macau; and the spectacular Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix, has seen no fewer than 16 of this year’s 20 FIA Formula One World Championship drivers race on Macau’s famous Guia street circuit, where former champions have included the late, great Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard.

Free Entrance to the Macau Grand Prix Museum and the Wine Museum
(2nd September – 31st December 2009)

To further celebrate the 2009 season, both the Macau Grand Prix Museum and the Wine Museum are offering free entrance from 2nd September – 31st December 2009.

The Grand Prix Museum celebrates legends such as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Takuma Sato, David Coulhard and Mika Hakinnen, who have all raced on the unique and challenging street circuit throughout the years.

The Museum features valuable memorabilia, including Ayrton Senna’s car and suit amongst many others. Visitors can also experience the thrill of the Guia Circuit for themselves on the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix PlayStation® game, a World Touring Car Championship simulator and Digital track slot cars.


The Wine Museum, next door, houses over a thousand wine labels, the oldest of which was bottled in 1815 at Porto. Residents and visitors can learn about the various stages of viniculture alongside costumes from the different regions of Portugal which are exhibited at the museum. Visitors over the age of 18 can also enjoy a wine-tasting experience for only MOP$10.

10th Anniversary, Christmas & New Year Celebrations
(20th December – 31st December 2009)

The 20th December 2009 heralds the 10th Anniversary of Macau becoming a Special Administrative Region of China. To mark this historic occasion, a number of celebrations are planned, which reflect both the European and Asian heritage of this wonderful destination. Amongst the most high profile of these celebrations includes the “biggest ever” firework display in Macau, due to take place on the date of the anniversary. Hot on the heels of the anniversary celebrations comes both Christmas and New Year – both of which are well-celebrated in Macau, due to its Portuguese cultural heritage.

With nearly 50 events, public holidays and festivals taking place all over Macau each year, there is a wide variety of activities to entertain both visitors and locals alike. In 2008, over 22 million visitors - just under 80,000 of which were from the UK - came from around the world to experience all that this fascinating city has to offer. The Historic Centre of Macau, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, continues to prove an especially popular draw, showcasing the unique fusion of Mediterranean and Oriental heritage that Macau has to offer and the wealth of history since its inception.

Settled by the Portuguese for nearly 500 years, Macau has become a cultural crossroads between east and west which is reflected in its year round calendar of events and festivals. For visitors of all ages, interests and budgets, there’s always something special to see, do and enjoy in Macau, and this outstanding autumn schedule is perfect to entice visitors away from the onset of the British winter to more tropical shores and experience the Wow in Macau!

For more information, visit macautourism.gov.mo.