After “careful evaluation and comprehensive consideration”, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) decided to cancel the “2020 Macau International Parade” scheduled for December, according to an IC statement yesterday.
“Affected by the novel coronavirus [pandemic], some foreign participating groups will not be able to visit Macao to join in the Macau International Parade,” the statement said, adding that with local groups and groups from all over the world amounting to about 1,800 participants each time in past years, the previous events drew large crowds, which is a risk factor during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Furthermore, according to the statement, with many residents and tourists along the route, the previous parades involved close interaction between participants and spectators with the aim of “creating a joyful atmosphere.”
The statement said the traditional format of the event was simply not suitable in view of the current COVID-19 prevention and control measures.
‘Listen to the Voice of the Chinese’
Thus, the statement said, the bureau cancelled this year’s parade, adding that In celebration of the 21st anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland, the Macau Chinese Orchestra, under the auspices of the bureau, will present the “Listen to the Voice of the Chinese” concert at the St. Paul’s Ruins in December and host various cultural and artistic performances at different places such as the Macau Cultural Centre. Details will be announced in due course.
The bureau will continue to pay close attention to the pandemic, strictly following the epidemic prevention guidelines of the Health Bureau (SSM) to ensure public safety, and work with artists and cultural practitioners to offer the public richer and more diverse cultural and artistic activities than before.
Updates will be available on the IC website at www.icm.gov.mo, its official WeChat account “IC_Art_Macao” or its “IC Art” page on Facebook.
