Na Tcha is a mythical figure that looks like a child but is resourceful. As the legend goes, he protects children by driving devils and demons from the earth. One day, residents witnessed him riding hot wheels away and, convinced it was Na Tcha, built a temple in Calçada das Verdades to worship him. Na Tcha is still deeply revered by Macau residents. We celebrate the Feast of Na Tcha every year and two Na Tcha temples will hold a number of events for celebration this weekend – all with free admission.
Na Tcha Temple, next to the Ruins of St Paul’s, was built in order to prevent the spread of the plague and is also part of the World Heritage listed “Historic Centre of Macau“. It will host a parade from 14:30 on 14 June from the Ruins of St Paul’s to Senado Square, Rua de Cinco de Outubro and Rua de Santo António before returning to the starting point.
A Cantonese Opera will also be held at 20:00 on 14 and 15 June and a lion dance at 09:00 on 15 June. Don’t forget to have a look at the Na Tcha Exhibition Room next to the temple where you can see articles found during the area’s archeological exploration and some objects used in the Feast of Na Tcha.
Another Na Tcha temple stands at Calçada das Verdades. The Na Tcha Ancient Temple will hold a celebration dinner at 20:00 on 14 June and a ceremony at 23:00. The highlight will be the Prince Na Tcha Parade at 10:00 on 15 June, starting from the temple to Rua de São Domingos, Rua de Cinco de Outubro, Rua dos Mercadores, Senado Square and St Domingos Square before returning to the temple. The parade team will be dressed as various Chinese mythical characters.
