To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Modern China, the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is presenting a special mapping show titled “Glorious Splendour in Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China” (PRC) at the Ruins of St. Paul’s for three consecutive nights, “sharing the joy brought by this momentous occasion with residents and visitors,” according to an MGTO statement.
The first of the three shows was held Sunday night. Two more shows will be held Monday and Tuesday night.
The mapping show will be staged at the Ruins of St. Paul’s lasting around 5 minutes per session. The show took place every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. last night. It will take place from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night.
According to Friday’s statement, the mapping show features a story consisting of two parts: 1) United celebration by Macau residents; 2) Joyful and auspicious! Jointly celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC!
‘United celebration by Macau residents’
According to the Macau Post Daily, the first part shows images of different local buildings festooned with national flags amid local streets and lanes projected upon the Ruins of St. Paul’s. The Guia Fortress, one of Macau’s iconic monuments, comes into the spotlight at the end. It also includes a ray of dazzling light, “symbolising our nation’s guidance for Macau as the city sets sail for the future”, the statement says.
“Raising a decorative archway for the National Day celebration is part of Macau’s local colours,” the statement said, adding that “by the technique of projection mapping, the show is created to reflect the splendour of a glittering decorative archway and the city’s joyous festive culture.
“The happiness is expressed in the phrase: ‘Welcome to Macau, join us in celebrating National Day’, coupled with a golden lotus blossom.”
The number “20” also appears to represent the 20th anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland.
‘Joyful and auspicious!’
The second part features auspicious red lanterns and auspicious clouds that slowly rise, wishing prosperity and peace for the country and its people, the statement says, adding that “a carp swims through green rivers and bamboo groves to leap over the dragon gate, against a jubilant and harmonious backdrop teeming with gorgeous blooms of peony, the national flower.”
The image of Tiananmen is projected upon the Ruins of St. Paul’s, followed by the solemn appearance of the components of the national emblem, according to the statement.
“The spectacular is lively and bustling with splendid fireworks in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC,” the statement points out, adding that near the end of the show, the symbol for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Modern China comes into sight in tandem with the congratulatory message “Glorious Splendour in Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China”.
According to the statement, “the show culminates with epic music and brings the joyous vibes to the climax, tugging at the heart strings of spectators in double celebrations.”
“Double celebrations” refers to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR). While the PRC was founded on October 1, 1949, the MSAR was set up on December 20, 1999.
