Known as “Chinese Valentine’s Day,” this year sees a rare chance encounter with the Chinese Lantern Festival and the Western Valentine’s Day taking place on the same day today.
Many traditional customs celebrating the Lantern Festival have been spread over the years including eating dumplings, lantern riddles, lion dance and dragon dance. The Western Valentine’s Day in Macau usually sees the man send flowers to his partner and the woman give him chocolates to express their love. So, whether you love traditional oriental custom or worship Western culture, this is a great opportunity to mix cultures with a very romantic Valentine’s Day for your beloved.
One option could be to take your partner to the “heart-shaped tree” which is located in the Macau Science Center. Make sure you send flowers or a Valentine’s Day gift or head to Lou Lim Ieoc Garden which is open from 19:30 to 21:00 today. There you will see the lanterns display, dance and music performances and have the chance to receive a gift if you can guess the lantern riddles. At Hong Kung Temple, there is a Chinese New Year in Hong Kung Carnival from 19:30 to 22:00 on 14 and 15 February. It features performances, a lucky draw, free dumplings and lantern riddles.
The Lantern Festival at St Lazarus celebration will run from 15:00 to 18:00 with some special Lantern Festival-themed game booths for couples, improv performances, portrait drawing, handmade arts and crafts and music performances. St Lazarus is a newly popular place for wedding photos so there is no doubt this is a romantic place to visit.
