The temporary pedestrianisation of San Ma Lou – the city’s prime thoroughfare – has been rescheduled to take place over Chinese New Year (CNY).
The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) said that the Strolling through Almeida Ribeiro – Pilot Scheme for a Pedestrian Area will run from 12 pm on 22 January, the first day of CNY, until 10 pm on 24 January, and from 12 pm on 4 February, the 14th day of the CNY, through 10 pm the following day, the 15th day of the CNY.
The five-day event aims to celebrate the Chinese New Year with residents and visitors, revitalise and promote an appropriate level of diversity in local neighbouring areas’ development, as well as to add more cultural tourist attractions.
Tourism officials said the event also aims to show the public the scenery and buildings around Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro from a new perspective, to inject cultural power, revitalise the economy in neighbouring areas, enrich the cultural and tourism integration experience, and promote the image of Macao as a multi-aesthetic city with Chinese culture as the mainstream and multi-cultures exchange and cooperation base.
The pedestrianised area which will be located in Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro (known as San Ma Lou in Cantonese – New Road) is about 450 metres long and divided into three sections: the colourful clouds-themed Magic Moment which will run from Rua do Guimarães to Travessa do Matadouro; Forest Footpath running from Travessa do Matadouro to Rua dos Mercadores with the irregular placement of artificial vegetation; and Urban Oasis running from Rua dos Mercadores to Largo do Senado, where large parasols and chairs will be set up as tea houses for visitors to rest.
In order to usher in the Year of the Rabbit, a number of giant Lucky Rabbit installations will be placed along San Ma Lou, with large installations hung and displayed along the street. There will also be a number of art spots where street artists can perform and present their festive greetings.
Items from Macao’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List such as Dragon’s Beard candy-making skills and dough sculpture skills will be displayed, and a selection of cultural products, coffee and snack booths will be set up to offer original products and creative food from 22-24 January.
Various performances and art installation displays will be staged by the city’s six gaming operators and the police in the pedestrian area from 22-24 January.
The event is co-hosted by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Transport Bureau, Macao Government Tourism Office, Public Security Police, Municipal Affairs Bureau and Fire Services Bureau, in conjunction with the six gaming operators.
Coinciding with the event, the section of San Ma Lou from Rua do Guimarães to Rua Central will be closed to traffic from 8 am on 22 January to 12 am on 24 January and from 8 am on 4 February 4 to 12 am on 5 February, The Macau Post Daily reported.
