The skies were grey yesterday, but nothing could have taken away the vibrance brought on by the festive atmosphere at Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, colloquially known as the Three Lamps (三盞燈) rotunda, as the celebration of the 27th Macao Myanmar Overseas Chinese Water Festival took place.
The annual event, hosted by the General Association of Macau Myanmar Overseas Chinese, kicked off on Saturday and celebrates the traditional Myanmar New Year, known as Thingyan, that usually occurs in the middle of April. The event sees revellers, according to a recent statement from the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) website, splash water on each other and offer prayers.
During Thingyan, water splashing, a highlight of the tradition, represents the washing away of misdeeds and bad luck from the previous year. Cultural performances and religious activities are also among the traditions observed during the period.
Alive with the sound of music that had many singing along, yesterday’s continuation of the traditional celebration had gathered crowds of joyful revellers, with several not being able to avoid getting soaked by the attendees who brought bottles of water and squirt guns.
Aside from water splashing, there were also a raft of other activities featured in the programme, among which were float parades held over two days, praying ceremonies and singing and dance performances.
Meanwhile, a food fair had also been set up on a nearby street, which gathered crowds to check out the 12 stalls selling various delicacies from Myanmar and Thailand, among other places, along with various drinks available to cool down, altogether offering a vibrant atmosphere to ring in the new year.
Revellers join the celebration for the 27th Macao Myanmar Overseas Chinese Water Festival at the Three Lamps District (三盞燈) yesterday afternoon. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
