Macau, known for its vibrant entertainment and UNESCO-recognized historic center, has transformed into a mesmerizing spectacle resembling Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. From now until February 25, the city is illuminated with the annual Light Up Macao festival, themed “The Dazzling Wonderland,” showcasing a stunning array of light installations across seven districts.
This year’s festival features 36 light installations, 20 interactive displays, and three mapping shows spread across 34 locations. Visitors can immerse themselves in a whimsical world, strolling through fields of glowing flowers, interacting with a musical piano keyboard at the Fantasy Fairyland in Taipa, or witnessing the century-old Chapel of St Francis Xavier in Coloane come to life with projection mapping.
Organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) in collaboration with six integrated resort enterprises, the festival showcases the creativity of local and international artists. Teams from mainland China, Hong Kong, the UK, and Japan have contributed to the installations, while projection teams from Macau, Seoul, and Wuhan have developed the mapping shows, highlighting Macau’s global status as a city of creativity and culture.
In addition to the visual spectacle, the festival offers outreach activities supported by MGTO, including the Light Up! F’art for U event, where visitors can enjoy performances and takeaway options from an art food truck in the Fai Chi Kei area. Information counters located across the city provide guidance for navigating the festival’s experiences, ensuring that visitors can make the most of their visit.
Visitors can also participate in the festival’s social media campaign by sharing their experiences using the hashtags #lightupmacao2023 or #ilumninarmacau2023. Those who garner 20 or more likes on their posts can collect a special gift from designated counters. Additionally, an online game called Dazzling Hunt on the event website offers participants a chance to win prizes through a grand lucky draw.
The Light Up Macao festival is not only a celebration of light and creativity but also a testament to Macau’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene. Whether it’s during Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Renri, or the Chinese Lantern Festival, visitors are invited to experience Macau in a dazzling new light that promises to be a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar.
(Source: Angie Hon | Reggie Ho | Morning Studio | SCMP)
