The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) announced today the cancellation of the 31st Macau International Fireworks Display Contest originally slated to be held in September and October.
According to an MGTO statement, the cancellation is "due to the global spread" of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The statement said that the decision to cancel this year's contest was made "after careful assessment and consideration."
The statement pointed out that owing to the impact of the pandemic, Macau and many other jurisdictions have imposed strict border control measures to keep the novel coronavirus at bay. According to the statement, MGTO "was therefore unable to confirm the lineup of contestants" for the original schedule of this year's competition. The statement admitted that "the situation is unfavourable to the preparations for the contest."
"After careful assessment and thorough consideration of various factors, MGTO decided to cancel the contest this year, as well as [a raft of] outreach programmes [held in conjunction with the annual contest] including the Student Drawing Contest, Photo Contest, Fireworks Carnival."
The statement also said that MGTO was planning to readjust its lineup of events in the third and fourth quarters, including the postponement of the 8th Macau International Travel (Industry) Expo to September.
MGTO "also intends to reschedule the Macau Light Festival, originally held every December, to an earlier period between late September and October, if conditions allow, in line with the goal of stimulating the economy."
Dragon boat races without non-local teams
Meanwhile, the Macau Sports Bureau (ID) announced earlier this week that due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year's international dragon boat races will be restricted to local teams.
In previous years, the annual event included teams from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong as well as from a string of foreign countries such as the US, Singapore and Australia.
According to Tuesday's press conference by the Sports Bureau, this year's races have been reduced from three to two days - the event's small dragon boat races will be held on June 21, while the standard dragon boat races will take place on June 25. A "Family Carnival" outreach programme has been slated for June 20.
The annual event is organised by the Sports Bureau and Dragon Boat Association of Macau in conjunction with the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) and Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau (SAFP). As in previous years, the races will be held at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre.
More information on the event is available on www.macaodragonboat.com.
