Macau cancels New Year’s Eve celebrations

Authorities have cancelled all shows due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Macau.- The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has announced the cancellation of events planned for New Year’s Eve.

The Bureau has cancelled the usual fireworks display in the city despite no new cases of Covid-19 being reported for 160 days.

The IC stated: “New Year’s Eve includes two shows in Macau and Taipa that usually involve a large number of artists from abroad and local, with more than 30,000 participants.

“Taking into account past experiences, the NYE countdown locations attract a large flow of people, representing a collective risk. To prioritise public health security, NYE activities will not be carried out.”

This year’s Macao International Fireworks Display Contest was also cancelled but the October 1 National Day display was held as planned.

Tourism authorities carried out several large scale events in November and December in a bid to attract more overnight tourists to the SAR.