| Macau located by the side of the Pearl River Delta | | | | are closed. |
| adjacent to the South China Sea is a ‘special | | | | A great variety of events are conducted to celebrate |
| administrative region’ of the People’s Republic | | | | the event. Dragon and lion dancers take to the streets |
| of China. It possesses autonomy in many areas and | | | | in an impressive procession and crowds of devotees |
| has a flourishing economy based on industries such as | | | | flock to the temples. Elaborate lanterns are |
| electronics, textiles and toys along with a noteworthy | | | | constructed, flowers are arranged and a multitude of |
| tourist industry. These factors make Macau one of the | | | | entertainers engage the crowds in the main squares |
| wealthiest cities on the globe. | | | | of the city. People meet and acknowledge each other |
| The Portuguese were the first westerners to make an | | | | in the traditional manner, with the hands joined and |
| impact on Macau, establishing a trading post in the 16th | | | | closed. It is also customary to exchange red packets |
| century. Eventually after increased commercial and | | | | containing money, which is a way of wishing success |
| military activity in the area Macau was made an official | | | | and good luck in the coming year. |
| colony of Portugal. After a series of treaties and | | | | Five days after the Chinese New Year the residents |
| agreements between China and Portugal and general | | | | of Macau celebrate the Lantern Festival, which is the |
| unhappiness of the natives with Portuguese rule, | | | | Chinese equivalent of Valentine’s Day. Desserts of |
| Macau was finally made part of China in 1999. | | | | small balls of sticky rice are prepared, representing |
| The Chinese New Year is celebrated with great | | | | ‘good luck’, ‘friendship’ or a ‘family |
| enthusiasm in Macau, and it is the most significant | | | | reunion’. |
| Chinese festival for its people. Falling towards the end | | | | One of the best luxury resort Macau is The Venetian |
| of January and the beginning of February in the | | | | Macau Resort Hotel. This sumptuous Macau hotel |
| western calendar, Chinese New Year takes place | | | | provides accommodation, dining and facilities of a |
| over 10 days of excitement and joy. On the first day | | | | premier standard, assuring a pleasurable stay for the |
| of the celebrations most offices, shops and factories | | | | visitor. |