The 100-day towards Beijing 2008 has started, and everyone is excited at the arrival of the Olympic torch relay in Macau. The "Beauty of Harmony in Macau 2008 - Magical Water Show" will feature the spectacle of STUDIO FESTI, while the "100 Days to the Beijing Olympic Games - Super Show of Bank of China" will also welcome the big day. In addition, over 30 performances featuring artists from different countries and regions will assemble for the 19th Macau Arts Festival.

The Feast of the Drunken Dragon, the Feast of Buddha, and the Feast of the God Tam Kung fall on the same day on which the "Bathing of the Buddha" ritual takes place and the Drunken Dragon Dance and parades are performed. The statue of Our Lady of Fátima will be carried in solemn procession from St. Dominic's Church to the little chapel on Penha Hill, and the 6th San Isidro Pahiyas and Mayflower Festival will showcase Filipino cultural traditions and performances for the public at large.

Red wine and beer star at the Red Wine Festival 2008 Macau and Beer Carnival-Macau 2008 to stimulate the taste buds, while on Maritime Administration Day the general public is invited to climb the Guia Lighthouse, the oldest on the south China coast. To mark International Museum Day, some museums will waive their admission charges, and a variety of celebrations and promotional activities are in store at the Macau Museum to commemorate its 10th anniversary. The Macau Museum of Art will host "Plato in the Land of Confucius - Greek Art from the Louvre" in support of the Olympic ideal.

Sports enthusiasts should check out the 2008 Macau International Dragon Boat Races at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, and the 7th Asian Wushu Championships featuring competitive Taijiquan, Nanquan, Daoshu, Nangun, Taolu and Sanshou. There will also be drawing competitions this month, beach volleyball and sandcastles at the "Animations of Taipa and Coloane 2008"!

Meanwhile, the "Brodsky Quartet - The Perfect Alchemy of Sound" offer a spanking new musical experience, and "Le French May Concert" features talented young French clarinetist Raphaël Sévère in conjunction with Macau and Hong Kong orchestras. An "Evening Concert" at Tap Seac Square will enable children to sing and play together.

Visitors can also enjoy an informative and educational church escort service during this period.

1 to 3 May - 100 Days Towards Beijing Olympic Games

Just a hundred days before the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games - the countdown has started, with the historic Torch Relay to arrive in Macau on May 3. The city's relay will begin from Macau Fisherman's Wharf, pass along the Macau peninsula and Taipa then return to the starting point to the accompaniment of spectacular fireworks.

The Macau Sports Development Board, together with the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau & Macau Government Tourist Office, host a magnificent open-air show titled "Beauty of Harmony in Macau 2008", with the Italian artist Valerio Festi descending on Macau with his STUDIO FESTI S.R.L. in a cornucopia of amazing performances - flying artists, musical and theatrical presentations, light shows and spectacles. Evening shows will run from May 1 to 3.

In addition, on the afternoon of May 1, spectators can enjoy the "100 days to the Olympics Super Show, Bank of China" in the Macau East Asian Games Dome. Hong Kong canto-pop stars Kenny Bee, Hacken Lee, Denise Ho and Hins Cheung get together with popular emcee Eric Tsang to celebrate the momentous occasion. On the very same day, the "5 Rings Mini Show" takes place in front of Macau Tower, featuring musical performances and a parade of MINI Coopers in five selected roundabouts in the city decorated with the 5 specific colors of the Olympic Rings.

1 to 14 May - 2008 Animations of Taipa and Coloane

May is traditionally a big month for Taipa and Coloane with the "2008 Animations of Taipa and Coloane" eagerly anticipated by the public.

On the first day of May - a public holiday - the "Beach Animation" (10:00am to 5:00pm) invites residents and visitors to get into the spirit of games and competitions such as Beach Football and Volleyball, Sandcastle Building and Painting Workshop. On the same day will be the Recreation & Sports Day and the beginning of Swimming Season. Hác Sá Park, Hác Sá swimming pool and Cheoc Van swimming pool will open for public with free entrance.

For details, please refer to organizer.
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2833 7676, 2882 7882

4 May - 6th San Isidro Pahiyas and Mayflower Festival in Macau

The Pahiyas Festival is a time of joyous merriment for the people of Quezon - and you'll never walk away hungry from this Filipino event. Just watch the calories!

Quezon folk decorate their homes with the choicest produce, stringing fruits and vegetables together and making the "kiping" (leaf-shaped wafers of rice like Spanish tacos) to enliven halls and walls, while the "arangya" (chandeliers) light up the town on fiesta night itself. This annual colourful occasion brings the Filipino community of Macau together against the background of a live band and cultural performances, which visitors are welcome to enjoy, complete with the special delicacies of this community.

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Admission free
Venue: Amizade Plaza (in front of Hotel Sintra), Av. Infante D. Henrique
Organizer: Quezonian Association of Macau
Sponsors: Macau Government Tourist Office, Macau Foundation, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 6680 5140
http://pahiyas.balder.prohosting.com

12 May - Feast of the Drunken Dragon, Feast of Buddha & Feast of the God Tam Kung

Three unique festivals occur on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar (May 12 this year), celebrated by feasts on the Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane.

Every year, visitors and locals join the Feast of the Drunken Dragon, whose origins go back to the Qing Dynasty. Legend has it that in order to rid themselves of a terrible plague, villagers carried a statue of the Buddha along a river path when they were suddenly blocked by a giant python. A monk quickly sliced the monster into three pieces which were then thrown back into the river, and the plague disappeared.

Revellers traditionally dance along the narrow streets of the Inner Harbour district, stopping at various shops, where all the dancers drink, becoming increasingly intoxicated as they make their way from Sam Kai Vui Kun (Kuan Tai Temple) to Hong Kung Temple, Red Market and Iao Hon before returning to the point of origin.

The Feast of the Buddha is also an important traditional celebration in Macau, and to commemorate this occasion, Buddhist associations in Macau enact the "Bathing of the Buddha" ritual, which attracts many devotees and visitors. Worshippers scoop up water from the ceremonial basin and sprinkles water onto the Buddha statue, as a symbol of inner purification. A 6-ton, 5.4 metre-high bronze statue sits at the Po Tai Monastery (Po Tai Un), a place of pilgrimage with a popular vegetarian restaurant.

The Feast of the God Tam Kung honours the birthday of this deity, and is one of the most important festivals in the Taoist calendar. Chinese operas and parades are the principal activities held every year in Coloane, with a great Chinese opera attracting fans from May 11 to 15. To top it all off, a parade by costumed devotees provides wonderful photo opportunities for visitors.

13 May - Procession of Our Lady of Fátima

In keeping with tradition, St. Dominic's Church in Senado Square will serve as the starting point on the evening of May 13 for the parade of the statue of Our Lady of Fátima, which will be carried in solemn procession to the little chapel on Penha Hill. This annual event usually attracts over a hundred "followers" who accompany the statue while offering up prayers. The Procession of Our Lady of Fátima recalls a Catholic legend in which three shepherd children were said to have seen the Mother Mary near Fátima in Portugal in 1917.

Time: 6:30 p.m.
Starting point: St. Dominic's Church

16 to 18 May - Red Wine Festival and Beer Carnival - Macau 2008

Thirsty? This mega double-event should satisfy the most avid imbibers of sweet nectar. This month, the Macau Fisherman's Wharf introduces various red wines from around the world in the inaugural Red Wine Festival 2008 Macau, while just round the outer rim of the Roman Amphitheatre the Beer Carnival - Macau 2008 will serve beer from colourful pavilions. Music, dancing, a carnival parade and a Fast Beer Drinking Competition will enliven the proceedings. Besides this carnival, there is the Macau Food and Drink Fair for visitors to enjoy delicious food from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Macau Fisherman's Wharf is the territory's first-ever themed entertainment park, and features a 40-metre high volcano, which serves as an educational archive, plus a War Games centre and F1 simulator offering valuable prizes.

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.   
Venue: Macau Fisherman's Wharf
Admission: MOP$68 (one-day ticket), $160 (three-day ticket), all tickets include complimentary can or glass of beer.
Organizer: Standard Exhibition (China) Consultant Service Ltd.
Co-organizers: Ministry of Culture-China Poem and Wine Culture Association, CYTS Macau International Convention and Exhibition Co., Ltd., Macau Convention & Exhibition Association and others
Supporting entities: Macau Government Tourist Office, Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute
Telephone enquiries: Macau (853) 2870 0130 / Hong Kong (853) 2389 8198    
http://www.winefair-chinamacao.com  
Only visitors aged 18 or above admitted

18 May - International Museum Day

To visit museums in Macau, you can enjoy a free entrance during International Museum Day on May 18. A variety of celebrations and promotional activities are on offer to the public for a whole month, especially the weekend of May 17 and 18. The activity "Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau Museum Carnival 2008" is held at Tap Seac Square on May 4 afternoon features Portuguese Folk Dance, Parade, Games, Lucky Draw and magic show from USA. 

You can also purchase the popular Museum Pass which permits one entry within five days to the Grand Prix Museum, Wine Museum, Maritime Museum, Lin Zexu Museum, Macau Museum of Art, and Macau Museum.

For more details of International Museum Day, please refer to museums.
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8798 4181
Admission by Museum Pass: MOP$25 for adults and MOP$12 for children under 18 years old and citizens over 60 years old.

20 May - Maritime Administration Day

On May 17 and 18, public can visit the Maritime Museum without admission charge and may also obtain permission from the Macau Maritime Administration to visit the Guia Lighthouse. Don’t miss the chance to climb this 15-metre high tower. Guia Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on the coast of China. The lighthouse, fortress and Our Lady of Guia chapel are all inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Come join the free round-harbour cruise and other celebration activities!

Operation of model ship - Maritime Safety, ship model making demonstration, Workshop of paper model sampan making, Silhouette portrait and Fishing net knitting demonstration
May 17 & 18 / 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. / Outdoor Cafe of the Maritime Museum

Macau Maritime Museum Open Day
May 17 & 18 / 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. / Exhibition Hall of the Maritime Museum

Guia Lighthouse Open Day
May 17 & 18 / 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. / Guia Hill

Ilha Verde Dockyard Open Day & Free round-harbour cruise
May 17 & 18 / 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. / Ilha Verde Dockyard

Shipyard of Maritime Administration Open Day
May 18 / 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. / Shipyard of Maritime Administration

"Maritime Administration Day" Telephone enquiries: (853) 2859 5481
http://www.marine.gov.mo
 
Our Lady of Guia Chapel Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
http://www.icm.gov.mo

31 May, 1, 7 & 8 Jun - 2008 Macau International Dragon Boat Races

The annual Dragon Boat Races are about to start this coming May on Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre once again in celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival. This year the duration of the competition is extended from 3 to 4 days and one special race is newly added: 2000 meter-round-goal competition, in which each dragon boat team is required to sail round the goal and finish the 2000 meter leg. Dragon boat competition is a traditional Chinese activity. Capturing the attention of thousands of visitors every year, local teams as well as others from nearby regions vie for both the championship and public applause.

Along Nam Van Lake are some pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the festival while having a sip of coffee by the lake during the daytime; every Saturday and Sunday evening, the Cybernetic Fountain on Nam Van Lake will also have music and laser performance projected on the water screen.

Time: 10:00 a.m.
Admission free
Venue: Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre
Organizers: Macau Sport Development Board, Macau, China Dragon Boat Association
Co-organizers: Civic & Municipal Affairs Bureau, Public Administration & Civil Service Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2858 0762, 2870 1649
http://www.sport.gov.mo

3 Feb to 22 Jun - Taipa Flea Market

Every Sunday, visitors can go to the 'Taipa Flea Market' located in Bombeiros Square in the heart of the old village. Accessories, memorial gifts,  toys, clothes, and other products have been assembled here, attracting not only locals but many visitors searching for ‘treasure’. A street show performs on a fortnightly basis.

Visitors need only hop on a bus or take a cab to the village before exploring the area in earnest. Rua do Cunha boasts many Portuguese buildings situated in streets crisscrossing each other like a patchwork quilt. Bring your camera and an artistic eye for photographs that will surely capture the romance of another, slower-paced time.

Time: Every Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
Admission free
Venue: Bombeiros Square, Taipa
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries for Taipa Flea Market: (853) 2833 7676 
Telephone enquiries for Street Show: (853) 8988 4100

1 to 30 May - 19th Macau Arts Festival

In keeping with tradition, the 19th Macau Arts Festival will stage shows in several acclaimed "Historic Centre of Macau" sites such as the Dom Pedro V Theatre and Lou Kau Mansion.  At Dom Pedro V Theatre, Macau Orchestra performs "Pictorial England", a musical snapshot of early 20th century England that features three of the nation's most eminent composers on May 3 and "Deutsche Selektion" with renowned violin phenomenon Pinchas Zukerman on May 17. Zukerman is recognized throughout the world for his exceptional artistic standards especially at this young age. For another concert in the Macau Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, he and the Macau Orchestra bring us the music of two of the most famous and influential composers in Western classical music: Bach and Beethoven on May 16.  The Macau Chinese Orchestra performs with famous Pianist Yin Chengzong and Violinist Li Chuan Yun in the "Yellow River Piano Concerto" on May 4.

On May 16-18 and 20-25, in Lou Kau Mansion, Mexico's Sensorama is going to bring us "The Four Elements", a sensory guide to a place where time ceases to exist.

The Aluminum Show, a unique performance from Israel combining movement, dance and visual theatre opens the Festival on May 1.

In addition, local groups exert brilliance too. Aside from concerts conducted by Macau Orchestra and Macau Chinese Orchestra, there are "Sweet Luck" performed by the Macau Patois theatrical group (May 10 & 11), the Cantonese opera "The Crossing" (May 24 & 25), children's opera "Magic Stone" (May 29 & 30) and dance performance "A Garden in the Heart" (May 10 & 11).

Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
http://www.icm.gov.mo

3 May - Brodsky Quartet - Perfect Alchemy

The Brodsky Quartet - which has been performing and recording in the UK since 1972 - is assured its place at the forefront of international chamber music with its assured, youthful performances around the world.

In addition to expressing great technical refinement, the Brodsky Quartet has pushed back the boundaries of the string quartet genre through its various collaborations with pop stars Elvis Costello and Björk - and while string quartets traditionally perform while seated, the Brodsky Quartet plays standing . . .

In the Perfect Alchemy of Sound Concert, the quartet presents a dazzling programme of 20th Century masterpieces and fabulous miniatures from US composer Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings, Mexican composer Javier Alvarez's Metro Chabacano, and three Macau premiere works titled String Quartet No. 11- Jabiru Dreaming, String Quartet No. 2 and Spring Rain.

Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Small Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Admission: MOP$140
Organizer: Macau Cultural Centre    
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2870 0699
http://www.ccm.gov.mo

Duration: Approx. 1 hour 25 minutes (including 15 minutes intermission)

4 May - Viola Recital by Cheong Wai Leong

Anthony Cheong Wai Leong is Director and Tutor of the Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra Association and Associate Master at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. In this concert, he will play the immortal music of Bach and Haydn.

Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Small Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Admission: MOP$40
Organizer: Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra Association
Sponsors: Macau Foundation, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, Macau Cultural Centre    
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2825 2899
http://www.macauyso.org.mo

11 May - Le French May Concert

The talented young French clarinetist Raphaël Sévère - winner of the 1st Prize and special Prize of the jury at the 2007 Tokyo International Competition - returns to Macau to perform Weber's Clarinet Concerto with the Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra under the baton of his father Yves Sévère and the Hong Kong Wind Kamerata.

Time: 4:00 p.m.
Venue: 4th floor Theatre, Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre
Admission: MOP$50
Organizer: Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra Association
Co-organizer: Hong Kong Wind Kamerata
Sponsors: Macau Foundation, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau    
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2825 2899
http://www.macauyso.org.mo

13 to 16 May - 7th Asian Wushu Championships

Wushu - a popular term synonymous with Chinese martial arts - revolves around Taolu (bare-handed freeform fighting) or Sanshou (weapons form) and is judged by specific criteria for points to decide a winner. This month, Macau hosts the 7th Asian Wushu Championships, which is certain to be a magnet for competitors, supporters and spectators from all over the region.

Taolu and Sanshou exponents will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in the disciplines of Taijiquan, Taijijian, Nanquan, Changquan, Daoshu, Gunshu, Qiangshu, Nangun and Nandao.

Time: About 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.   
Admission free
Venue: Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion, Av. Sidónio Pais
Organizer: Wushu Federation of Asia
Host: Macau Sport Development Board, Wushu General Association of Macau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2856 7873

31 May - Evening Concert

On the Eve of Children's Day, an Evening Concert will be held at Tap Seac Square - the 8,000-square metre new landmark in Macau. Children can sing together and play games with their parents, enjoying a pleasant day filled with music and happiness.

Tap Seac Square has a harmonious design with old neo-classical buildings all around, macadamized with black and white Portuguese cobbles.

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Admission free
Venue: Tap Seac Square
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2833 7676, 2882 7882

23 to 25 May - Tea Expo Macau 2008

The "Tea Expo Macau 2008" features a fully-equipped exhibition fairground at the Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel. During the three days' expo, visitors can explore the China ceramic teapot exhibition, black tea exhibition, tea arts performance competition (China, Hong Kong and Macau), and participate in the Forum of China and Portuguese language countries, painting exhibition and seminar.

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (23 & 24 May)
         9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (25 May)
Admission free
Venue: Exhibition Center, The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel
Organizer: China Tea Marketing Association
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2832 2150    
http://www.teaexpo.cn/macao/index.htm

8 Mar to 18 May - Explore Macau, Feel Its Pulse - Macau through Artists' Eyes

The rapid development of Macau has stimulated the preservation of treasured childhood memories by artists who have revisited their former homes to retrieve the past bit by bit. These frozen memories, combined with their thoughts on the city"s change, have been interpreted into works of art that constitute a valuable reference for emerging local artists.

The exhibition Explore Macau, Feel its Pulse - Macau through Artists' Eyes not only showcases the rich harvest of the creative "journey" by artists from Hong Kong and Macau but demonstrates the creative processes that impelled them.

Opening Hours: noon to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays)
Admission free
Venue: Ox Warehouse, Intersection of Av. do Coronel Mesquita and Av. do Almirante Lacerda
Organizer: Old Ladies' House Art Space
Sponsor: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2853 0026
http://oxwarehouse.blogspot.com

21 Mar to 4 May - Contemporary Ceramic Art from Guangdong Province and Macau

For many years, traditional Chinese ceramics have exerted a great impact on the art world. Recently, the modern beauty of ceramic art has come to be universally appreciated.

Consequently, the Cultural Affairs Bureau and Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts have jointly organized the Exhibition of Contemporary Ceramic Art from Guangdong Province and Macau 2008 featuring masterpieces by 15 talented artists in a collection that encompasses a great variety of styles and techniques.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Open on public holidays)
Admission free
Venue: Tap Seac Gallery, Av. do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida, No. 95
Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2833 5140
www.macauart.net

29 Mar to 12 May - Exhibition - The Calligraphy of Cao Baolin

Contemporary Chinese calligrapher Cao Baolin began his study of the stylized calligraphy of Mi Fei and the calligraphic techniques of Su Shi and Huang Tingjian in the mid-1960s. Cao - a professor of the School of Arts and director of the Centre of Calligraphy Studies in Jinan University in Guangzhou - specialises in historic research on calligraphy from the Sung Dynasty and the authentication of ancient stone rubbings, areas in which he has attained great distinction.

The exhibition "Sluggish Horse in Spur, Sharpen a Blunt Knife - Exhibition of Calligraphy of Cao Baolin" displays more than 40 of Cao's calligraphy works, and provides a rare opportunity for the public to plumb the depths of his arts through his exquisite creations.

Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, open on public holidays)
Admission free
Venue: Temporary Exhibition Gallery of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Av. Almeida Ribeiro No. 163
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8988 4100, 2882 7882

3 May to 2 Jun - Exhibitions at Creative Macau

Portuguese-born Isabel Rasquinho has worked as a professional fine arts printmaker for more than 30 years. She now resides in Macau and has mounted several exhibitions here, with many of her works having been snapped up by private collectors and cultural institutions. From May 3 to 21, art enthusiasts can visit her solo exhibition "Connivances" at Creative Macau.

Another event titled "ConstrAction Exhibition" - a group exhibition of furniture design by various artists - will run from May 23 to June 2.

Opening Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays)      
Admission free
Venue: Creative Macau, G Floor, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Organizer: Center for Creative Industries
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2875 3282
http://www.creativemacau.org.mo

11 May to 8 Jun - We, Mother's Art

"We, Mother's Art" examines the consequences of a city that has changed so fast that people find they cannot handle their family relationships. In this exhibition, local artists take inspiration for their art from the theme of "Mother". Some artists create work from life and memory, some invite their mothers to help create their artwork...

Opening Hours: 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
Admission free
Venue: Poor Space, Rua de Espectação de Almeida, No. 3A, Edf. Son Heng R/C
Organizer: Step Out   
Sponsors: Macau Foundation, Henry Fok Foundation
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2835 1572
http://poorspace.wordpress.com

12 May to 15 Jun - Soliloquy of Nature - Works by James Chu

An active local artist, James Chu, over the years, has dedicated himself to the promotion of Macau's artistic and cultural development, with his works recognised by many local and overseas design and art awards. In a rapidly developing city, the individual's impressions of Nature is becoming more and more obscure thus  the exhibition "Soliloquy of Nature" is a clear statement by the artist of his own existing condition.

Through a series of abstract paintings, outdoor sculptures and indoor video installations, Chu invites the observer to transcend appearances in order to arrive at the inner world of existence. This display of works has also expanded from the traditional gallery space to the roof top bar area, and some of his works can even be seen on the street - in the lively and artistic environment that is St Paul's district of Macau.

Opening Hours: noon to 8:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
Admission free
Venue: St. Paul's Fine Arts, Trav. de S. Paulo, No. 3, 5 & 7
Organizer: Art for All   
Sponsor: Macau Foundation
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2842 2842
http://www.stpaulscorner.com

19 Apr to 15 Jun - 7th Macau Design Biennial

The Macau Design Biennial seeks to encourage local designers and facilitate the development of the creative industry. This year, the 7th Macau Design Biennial will showcase selected works including designs of books, posters and 3-D objects from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No admission after 6:30 p.m., closed on Mondays)
Admission free
Venue: Ground floor and 1st floor Gallery, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Organizers: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Macau Designers Association
Co-organizer: Macau Foundation
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
www.artmuseum.gov.mo

19 Apr to 1 Jun - Quietness, Thoughts, Words - Painting by Iam Wai Man

Young local artist Iam Wai Man was awarded Best Creative Special Prize and Best Work Prize during the XXIII Collective Exhibition of Macau Artists for her Chinese painting "Maiden's Prayer", in which Iam employed traditional Chinese brushwork to depict a portrait of the Mother Mary. The exhibition "Quietness, Thoughts, Words - Painting of Iam Wai Man Winner of the XXIII Collective Exhibition of Macau Artists"  features over 40 works created from 2004 to 2008, including a large number of Gongbi (elaborate brushwork) and Mogu (boneless-style) works.

Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, open on public holidays)
Admission free
Venue: Pavilion, Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, Est. de Adolfo Loureiro No. 10
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8988 4100, 2882 7882

24 May to 13 Jul - Exhibition of Art Works of the Members of Macau Artists Society 2008

The Macau Artists Society, one of the arts institutions with the longest history in Macau, is marking its 52nd anniversary. With a youthful heart and an innovative mind, the members of the society have devoted themselves to creativity along the years.

The members of the Society have pooled together more than 70 art pieces for display. Different subject matters are expressed through an array of media like watercolors, oil painting, prints, sketches, Chinese painting, calligraphy and others.

Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, open on public holidays)
Admission free
Venue: Temporary Exhibition Gallery of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Av. Almeida Ribeiro No. 163
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8988 4100, 2882 7882

12 Apr to 13 Jul - Plato in the Land of Confucius - Greek Art from the Louvre

In a timely lead-up to the Beijing Olympic Games 2008, 'Plato in the Land of Confucius - Greek Art from the Louvre' - showcasing 134 priceless works of art including marble sculptures, pottery and gold vessels - will be exhibited by the Macau Museum of Art for the coming three months.

Artifacts presented in this exhibition were produced from 500 BC to 400 AD, and include works of paramount importance in the history of ancient Greek art such as the 'Athlete holding a discus',  'Athena Parthenos' and 'Aphrodite' marble sculptures. The exhibits artfully embody the wisdom of Greece, the root of Western art and the spirit of the Olympic Games. Moreover, this exhibition ranks as the largest, highest calibre collection ever sanctioned by the Louvre for display in an overseas venue. Indeed, some of these treasures have never been seen outside of France before.

'Greek Art from the Louvre'  is a tour exhibition that commenced in Asia last year, with Beijing accorded the honour of first exhibiting the artifacts, followed by Singapore and now Macau. It is also one of the events of 'Le French May'.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No admission after 6:30 p.m., closed on Mondays) 
Admission: MOP$5 (Free on Sundays) 
Venue: 2nd & 3rd floor Gallery of Special Exhibitions, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE 
Organizers: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau of Macau SAR, Louvre Museum of France 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
www.artmuseum.gov.mo

29 Apr to 3 Aug - Shiwan Ceramics Exhibition

Shiwan ceramic sculptures are highly representative of the Lingnan architectural folk art of the southern Guangdong Province from the late Qing Dynasty. Historical stories, myths, legends and popular Cantonese operas of the time often served as inspiration and were subsequently embodied in the form of three-dimensional sculptures or high relief ceramics on the roof ridges of buildings. Rich in the folk tradition of Lingnan, they were very popular adornments in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau.

In this exhibition, a wide range of colourful ceramics will be displayed including a roof ridge of characters in a Cantonese opera over 7 metres long; ceramic sculptures of other mythical characters such as dragon fish and assorted beasts will also be on display.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No admission after 6:30 p.m., closed on Mondays)
Admission: MOP$5 (Free on Sundays)
Venue: 4th floor Gallery of Chinese Porcelain, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Organizer: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau     
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
www.artmuseum.gov.mo

15 May to 24 Aug - 2008 Macau Annual Art Exhibition

This exhibition, aimed at inviting art creations of different media and to illustrate Macau's diversified and harmonious culture, is held during the 19th Macau Arts Festival. This year, totally 108 art works from different media including Chinese painting, calligraphy, Western painting, photography, sculpture, installation and poster are displayed. In addition to the selected entries, "Top Ten Entries" will also be chosen to join exhibitions overseas, hoping that artists with excellent works created locally would be encouraged.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Open on public holidays)
Admission free
Venue: Tap Seac Gallery, Av. do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida, No. 95
Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau   
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2833 5140
http://www.macauart.net

3 May to 24 Aug - Seal-Engravings Collection Exhibition

In China, seals were used as early as the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. After the State of Qin had unified China, the seals of emperors, princes and marquises, which were usually made from jade, were known as "Xi", while seals used by the intelligentsia, gentry and the common people were known as "Yin". In general, seal script is the form of characters used to engrave seals. First, the seal engraver will write down the characters before engraving them onto the seals, lending this art form the name of seal-engraving. It is a kind of calligraphic skill, in which an engraving knife is used instead of brush and ink.

Many artists and collectors still amass seals, an ancient art form that has withstood the test of time. In the 19th and 20th centuries, several seal engravers made a revolutionary breakthrough in their works. In the exhibition "Ancient Forms in Contemporary Souls - Seal-Engravings Collection by Prestigious Chinese Artists", a rich collection of exquisite seals by over 40 Chinese seal-engravers of modern times is on display.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, open on public holidays)
Admission free
Venue: Exhibition Gallery, the Taipa Houses-Museum, Av. da Praia, Taipa
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8988 4100, 2882 7882
http://housesmuseum.iacm.gov.mo

4 Apr to Aug - Variety of Arts on Tea Culture

Tea Culture is a precious Chinese tradition. Macau was once a major tea exporter, and even today, many people in Macau still love Chinese tea. Macau Tea Culture House holds "Exhibition of Convergence of Tea Fragrance & Praises in the Lotus City - Poetry and Couplet Writing Contest" to express the uniqueness of tea in the forms of poetry, distich and calligraphy. 53 pieces of awarded tea art will be on display, and free guided tours (Cantonese) will be provided on the first and third Sundays of each month, at 3 to 4 pm.

Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, open on public holidays)
Admission free
Venue: Macau Tea Culture House, Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, Est. de Adolfo Loureiro No. 10
Organizer: Macau Tea Culture House of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8394 3782, 2858 6250

Permanent Exhibitions

Handover Gifts Exhibition

This exhibition displays handover gifts presented by the provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and special administrative regions of China to the Macau Special Administrative Region, and reflect strong regional features and unique artistry.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(No admission after 6:30 p.m.,closed on Mondays)
Admission free
Venue: Handover Gifts Exhibition Gallery,
Handover Gifts Museum of Macau, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8504 1800
http://handovermuseum.iacm.gov.mo

Historical Paintings of Macau in the 19th Century

This exhibition displays oil paintings, watercolours and sketches with humans and scenery as their theme. They provide vivid and clear visual information that cannot be neglected for the study of the modern history of Guangdong and for the study of Chinese painting since the Qing dynasty.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00p.m.
(No admission after 6:30p.m., closed on Mondays)
Admission: MOP$5 (Free on Sundays)
Venue: 3rd floor, the Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
www.artmuseum.gov.mo

Bryde's Whalebone Exhibition

A twelve meters male Bryde's Whale is now on display in a unique exhibition in Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane. After it was found stranded on the shoreline five years ago. Its body was taken to Guangzhou's Sun Yat-sen University to preserve it in the form of a skeletal specimen and thanks to painstaking efforts has been returned for the public.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
Admission free
Venue: Exhibition Room, Seac Pai Van Park, Coloane
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2859 5481
www.museumaritimo.gov.mo

Dwellings of Hope Cove: A Happy End

The Taipa Houses Museum, comprising five typical green houses with Macanese architectural characteristics, is considered one of the cultural relics and heritage of the territory. This dignified row of dwellings symbolise the enduring regional and local history of the islands of Taipa and Coloane; this exhibition shows photos and real objects and serves to underscore the lasting importance to Macau of the Houses of Beach Avenue. The five houses include "Macanese House", "House of the Islands", "House of the Portugal Regions", "Exhibition Gallery" and "House of Reception".

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, open on public holidays)
Venue: House of the Islands, The Taipa Houses-Museum, Av. da Praia, Taipa
Admission: MOP$5 (Free on  Tuesdays)
Organizer: Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2882 7103
http://housesmuseum.iacm.gov.mo

Encounter with History - Photographic Commemoration of the Basic Law of the Macau SAR

The photographs in this exhibition range from the first photo taken of Macau by Jules Itier in 1844 to the present day. The exhibition examines the territory through five distinct phases of its history - Macau post-Opium War, Macau during the Republican Era, Macau after the formation of the New China, Macau during its Transitional Period and Macau following her return to China.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) 
Admission free 
Venue: Macau Forum Exhibition Hall, Av. de Marciano Baptista 
Organizers: Association of Promotion of the Macau Basic Law, Legal Affairs Bureau, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8988 4100, 2882 7882

Museum of Taipa and Coloane History Exhibition

Situated in a green Portuguese-style building of great historic interest in the old Camara Municipal das Ilhas, the museum displays historic village artifacts and religious items. Historians will find a treasure trove in this 2-storey building with its 8 rooms.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) 
Admission: MOP$5 (Free on Tuesdays) 
Address: Museum of Taipa and coloane History - Rua Correia da Silva, Taipa 
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2882 5631
www.iacm.gov.mo/cotaimuseum

A Glimpse of the Past: A Collection of Old Macau Photos from MAM

"A Glimpse of the Past: A Collection of Old Macau Photos from MAM" displays 110 photographs taken in various years during the last century, and captures scenic spots, daily life, cultural events, buildings, street views, vehicles, etc.

It is the fervent hope of Macau Museum of Art that by placing these old photographs in a long term exhibition, and making them available for research, that residents and visitors may catch a glimpse of the territory at different points in time, not only for nostalgic reasons but to contemplate Macau’s current and future development against the backdrop of increasing globalisation.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (No admission after 6:30 p.m., closed on Mondays) 
Admission: MOP$5 (Free on Sundays)
Venue: 3rd floor Gallery of Special Exhibitions, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, s/n, NAPE
Organizer: Macau Museum of Art of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8791 9814
www.artmuseum.gov.mo

Travel Notes of A Museum Explorer

Macau Maritime Museum

A friend of mine came to visit me with his daughter during the Easter holidays last month. I showed them around and one day I brought them to the Macau Maritime Museum.

Macau Maritime Museum is located just opposite A-Ma Temple, the first temple to be established in Macau, at a place the Portuguese are documented to have landed some 400 years ago.

We entered the museum for free as we are both teachers, and children under 10 need pay nothing either according to museum admission regulations. Inside, an electronic board details the species of fish living in the nearby seas. We also discovered a multi-media system illustrating the history of Macau in English, Portuguese, Cantonese and Mandarin.

In addition, you can find the business details of the Portuguese and Japanese in the 17th Century as well as many traditional Portuguese model vessels on display. On the 2nd floor many navigational devices catched our attention for a long and pleasant time.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays)
Admission: Aged 10 to 17, MOP$5 (Mon to Sat); $3 (Sun)
Aged 18 to 64, MOP$10 (Mon to Sat); $5 (Sun)
Free for children under 10 and elders over 65
Address: No. 1, Largo do Pagode da Barra
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2859 5481
http://www.museumaritimo.gov.mo

Macau Museum Celebrates 10th Anniversary

This month, the Macau Museum celebrates its 10th Anniversary with four exhibitions and has updated and expanded its "Time Capsule" and "Ancient Relics Found at Hac-Sa" display, marking a new decade of development.

"Words of Warning in Times of Prosperity - The Legacy of Zheng Guan-ying" exhibition (April 18 to August 31) features the seminal work of the pioneering theorist (1842-1921), as well as his prose collections and various other written materials plus historical relics from the Mandarin House, where he lived.

Celebratory exhibitions also include "Looking back - Macau Museum 10th Anniversary Photo Exhibition" (April 15 to August 31), "New Times, New Challenges - Macau Museum 10th Anniversary Poster Exhibition" (April 15 to June 8) and "Exploring the Limits - Macau Museum 10th Anniversary Exhibition of Publications" (April 15 to August 28 at Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre).

The Macau Museum will be opened to the public for free on May 15, 17 & 18 in recognition of International Museum Day.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (No admission after 5:30 p.m., closed on Mondays)
Admission: MOP$15 (Free on 15th of every month)
Venue: Macau Museum, Macau Museum Square No. 112
Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2835 7911
http://www.icm.gov.mo

Mar to Aug - Free Guided Tour of Macau Churches

Several of the beautiful, distinctive churches of the territory are located within the boundaries of the Historic Centre of Macau and are convenient for visitors to visit. If you want to know more about the many rituals and stories behind the church façades, look out for the free guided tour service provided every Saturday and Sunday from March to August 2008 in St. Augustine's Church, St. Lawrence's Church and St. Joseph's Seminary and Church. The tour service is conducted in Cantonese and Mandarin.

St. Augustine's Church, one of the oldest in Macau, was the first church to hold mass in English. Legend has it that the clergymen had to cover the open roof whenever it rained with sunflower leaves; on windy days, people from afar could see the leaves waving hence the local Chinese called it the Temple of the Dragon's Beard.

Find out more on one of the guided tours . . .

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Every Sat & Sun)
Admission free (appointments not required)
Venue: St. Augustine's Church, St. Lawrence's Church and St. Joseph's Seminary and Church.
Organizer: Pilgrimage Service of Catholic Lay Association of Macau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2892 1438
Language: Cantonese & Mandarin

Macau Green Hotel Award

The Macau Green Hotel Award Scheme - supported by the hospitality industry and designed to demonstrate the importance of environmental management and honour hotels that have committed to environmental management - was initiated in 2007 and is organized by the Environment Council in collaboration with the Macau Government Tourist Office. 

This year, the Macau Green Hotel Award - valid until 2010 - recognizes 4 and 5-star hotels Beverly Plaza, Mandarin Oriental Macau, the Westin Resort Macau, Holiday Inn Macau and Riviera Hotel Macau, in addition to 2 and 3-star hotels Emperor Hotel, Metropole Hotel and hotel school Pousada de Mong Há. Candidates for the award have been successful in demonstrating Green Leadership and Innovation; Green Programme Performance; and Partner Synergy.

Programme Preview

Eastern and Western events cram the calendar in June. June 10 is Portuguese National Day, Camões Day (commemorating poet Luis de Camões' epic "Os Lusíadas" which is reputed to have been completed in Macau) and Portuguese Community Day. Third China Cultural Heritage Day will be celebrated with a host of activities in the second week of June.

The Feast of Na Cha falls on the eighteenth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar (Jun 21 this year) and is sure to attract many visitors to the Procession of the Na Cha statue and lion dance performances in Senado Square.

Every year, Macau hosts a spectacular lotus flower festival - if you want to take part, don't miss the "8th Macau Lotus Flower Festival".

Ji Gong - a highly respected Taoist deity - is honoured by the "2008 International Ji Gong Cultural Festival & 800th Anniversary of Ji Gong Enlightenment" on Jun 18 & 19, complete with dedication ceremony, parade, exhibition and forum.

19th Macau Arts Festival, Macau Cultural Centre programs' 24-Hour Ticketing Hotline: 
Macau (853) 2855 5555, Hong Kong (852) 2380 5083, Mainland China (86) 139 269 11111
Website: www.macauticket.com

Photos: Macau Government Tourist Office, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Macau Sport Development Board, Maritime Museum,  Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra Association, Pilgrimage Service, Quezonian Association of Macau, Centre for Creative Industries, Old Ladies' House Art Space, Wushu General Association of Macau, Art For All