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Macao is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China with a bang.

For the first time in the three-decade history of the annual Macao International Fireworks Display Contest, the highly charged competition will involve 12 nations, two more than in previous challenges.

The ground-breaking contest, to be held over six nights from September 7 till October 5, 2019, will be the most comprehensive and spectacular series of fireworks displays staged in the former Portuguese enclave.

The best vantage points will be along the waterfront near the iconic 338-metre high Macau Tower.

On top of this extravaganza, a special 20th anniversary fireworks night has been scheduled for December 20, the date of the handover in 1999, followed by the traditional New Year fireworks on December 31.

“Anyone who plans to visit Macao before the end of the year can expect some special moments during the year-long 20th anniversary celebrations,” said Helen Wong, general manager of the Macao Government Tourism Office (Australia and New Zealand).

“In addition to the various fireworks, Macao will host a series of major festivals, some that will have you dancing in the streets,” she said.

“Among those is the colourful International Parade along with the inaugural five-month long Art Macao festival which was launched in June and finishes on October 31.

“In line with Macao’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the mouth-watering Macanese cuisine will be highlighted at the many festivals,”

Major festivals to be held until the end of 2019 include:

  • Art Macao (until Oct 31) – the largest array of art exhibitions, installations and performances in Macao, encompassing the resorts and galleries and theatres.
  • Wushu Masters Challenge (Aug 1-4) – a four-day themed martial arts event that delves into Chinese culture, traditions and sporting heritage.
  • 33rd Macao International Music Festival (Oct 4 – Nov 3) – for all admirers of music.
  • 19th Macao Food Festival (Nov 8-24) – featuring a recreation of a Japanese village.
  • 66th Macau Grand Prix (Nov 14-17) – featuring a full program of racing on the challenging street circuit.
  • 9th Macao Shopping Festival (Dec) – with plenty of bargains to be had.
  • Macao Light Festival (Dec 1-31) – the most colourful sound and light show in Macao.
  • Macao International Marathon (Dec 1) – attracting athletes from around the world.
  • Macao International Parade (Dec) – colourful street festival with plenty of song and dance.
  • 4th International Film Festival and Awards: Macao (Dec 5-10) – the largest and most glamorous in the red-carpet event’s four-year history.