2026 Macao Temple Festivals: Mazu Birthday falls on the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month (Gregorian April 10), Guanyin Open Treasury on the 26th day of the 1st lunar month (February 24), and Lunar New Year Temple Fares begin from January 29 (1st day of the 1st lunar month). Over 20 large-scale temple festival events throughout the year can attract up to 800,000 visitors. Top Macao choices: A-Ma Temple (Macao's oldest temple, founded in 1488, with the most flourishing incense); Kun Iam Tong (ancient temple and famous garden, premier choice for Guanyin Open Treasury prayers); Kwan Tai Temple (near Senado Square, most popular for Lunar New Year blessings). Detailed festival schedules, worship customs, and transportation arrangements, see → Macao Temple Festival Calendar 2026 Complete Guide.
2026 Macao Temple Festival Activity Full Calendar
Macao's temple culture has a long history, with over 50 registered temples across the territory, and annual festival events are an important cultural experience for both locals and visitors. According to 2024 statistics from the Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau, temple-related festival events attract over 800,000 participants, with Lunar New Year, Mazu Birthday, and Guanyin Open Treasury being the three peak periods. Below is the complete schedule of major Macao temple festival activities for 2026, for readers to plan their itineraries in advance.
Q1: Lunar New Year Prayers & Guanyin Open Treasury
- Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year): January 29, 2026 (1st day of the 1st lunar month) to February 4 (7th day of the 1st lunar month)
- A-Ma Temple: Open for worshippers from 11 PM on New Year's Eve (the 28th), with over 30,000 expected on the first day
- Kwan Tai Temple (Senado Square): Holds blessing ceremonies during Lunar New Year, offering Tai Sui lamps and An Tai Sui services
- Lin Kai Temple: Lunar New Year temple fair features traditional food stalls and lion dance performances
- Guanyin Open Treasury: February 24, 2026 (26th day of the 1st lunar month)
- Kun Iam Tong: Opens for "borrowing from the treasury" at midnight (0:00), with expected queue stretching 500 meters
- Kun Iam Temple (Taipa): Smaller scale but less crowded, suitable for family-friendly worship
Q2: Mazu Birthday & Dragon Boat Festival Prayers
- Mazu Birthday: April 10, 2026 (23rd day of the 3rd lunar month)
- A-Ma Temple: Holds 3-day celebration ceremonies including the Tin Hau Birthday sacrificial ceremony and Cantonese opera performances
- Coloane Tin Hau Ancient Temple: Holds evening ceremony starting from the evening of the 22nd day of the 3rd lunar month, with active participation from traditional fishing community
- Dragon Boat Festival Prayers: May 31, 2026
- Pak Kung Temple: Holds dragon boat water bathing and noon water collection ceremonies
Q3-Q4: Mid-Autumn Festival, Double Ninth Festival & Year-End Prayers
- Mid-Autumn Festival: September 21, 2026
- All temples hold Mid-Autumn evening parties, with A-Ma Temple featuring lantern displays and lantern riddle guessing activities
- Double Ninth Festival: October 10, 2026
- Kun Iam Tong: Holds autumn blessing ceremony with traditional mountain climbing sacrificial ritual
- Tin Hau Birthday (Autumn): October 2026 (9th lunar month)
- Coloane Tin Hau Ancient Temple: Holds Tin Hau parade procession through Coloane town
Practical Suggestions: Visitors joining temple festival activities are advised to avoid peak periods such as the 1st day of the 1st lunar month and Mazu Birthday day itself. Visiting 1-2 days before or after can significantly reduce wait times. Most Macao temples are concentrated in the Macao Peninsula old town area and can be visited on foot; for Taipa or Coloane, public buses are recommended. Dress modestly in plain-colored clothing and avoid overly exposing attire to show respect for the deities.
Important Lunar Calendar Dates & Temple Celebration Activities
The 2026 Macao temple festivals are organized around three major pillars throughout the year — Mazu Birthday (23rd day of the 3rd lunar month, Gregorian April 10), Guanyin Open Treasury (26th day of the 1st lunar month, February 24), and Lunar New Year Temple Fairs (starting from January 29, 1st day of the 1st lunar month). Altogether over 20 large-scale celebrations are expected to attract up to 800,000 visitors.
Top Macao choices: A-Ma Temple (Macao's oldest temple, founded in 1488, with the most flourishing incense); Kun Iam Tong (ancient temple and famous garden, premier choice for Guanyin Open Treasury prayers); Kwan Tai Temple (near Senado Square, most popular for Lunar New Year blessings).
Detailed festival schedules, worship customs, and transportation arrangements, see → Macao Temple Festival Complete Guide.
The main highlight in the first month is Guanyin Open Treasury, held on February 24 at Kun Iam Tong with the "borrowing from the treasury" ceremony. Devotees can borrow New Year's fortune and blessings, with single-day worshippers reaching 50,000. Kun Iam Tong is Macao's only official venue holding Guanyin Open Treasury, with exclusive borrowing receipts and blessed rice packets. It is recommended to arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Most Macao residents bring oranges, bananas, and fa jao (prosperity cake) as offerings, and receive peace amulets from the temple in return.
Lunar New Year Temple Fairs run for 7 consecutive days starting from January 29 (1st day of the 1st lunar month), with A-Ma Temple and Kwan Tai Temple as the two main venues. A-Ma Temple offers only 100 "first incense" spots on New Year's Eve, with fierce competition as many merchants queue from midnight. Kwan Tai Temple is famous for "Kwan Tai Divination," with constant visitors seeking fortune readings. Numerous small vendors line outside the temple, with over 30 New Year goods stalls. For transportation, a taxi to A-Ma Temple costs approximately MOP$25; Kwan Tai Temple is near Senado Square, only 8 minutes walk to the Ruins of St. Paul's.
Mazu Birthday on April 10 is the largest-scale temple festival of the year. A-Ma Temple holds grand ceremonies including dragon and lion performances, floating flower parades, and potluck feasts. Door donation income can exceed MOP$800,000 in a single day, setting a new Macao temple single-day record. Visitors are advised to wear plain-colored clothing, avoid red; women offering fresh flowers and fruits are preferable. The nearest parking is at A-Ma Temple underground parking garage, with limited spaces. It is recommended to take public buses 3A or 10 to "A-Ma Temple" stop.
Practical Suggestions:
- Best way to avoid crowds: worship on weekdays from 06:00-08:00, during monks' morning chanting when it's most quiet
- For major festivals, book bus transportation one week in advance. During Lunar New Year, taxi average wait time is 30 minutes
- Merchants enclosing red packet offerings of MOP$20-100 is common practice, and can receive peace amulets from the temple in return
- Visitors bringing incense should note Macao law regulation — only 3 sticks per household, some temples provide free eco-friendly incense
For temple opening hours, offering taboos, and parking locations, see → Macao Major Temples Complete Directory.
Mazu Birthday — Macao's Most Grand Religious Festival
Mazu Birthday is Macao's most representative religious festival. On the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month (April 10, 2026), A-Ma Temple will have thriving incense, expected to attract over 150,000 visitors, three times the usual count. Top Macao choices: A-Man Temple (Macao's oldest temple, founded in 1488, with the main Tin Hau Hall worshipping Mazu); Street Merchants Association (organizing neighborhood parades with over 80 years of tradition); Hung Kung Temple (located on Rua de Nova City, adds blessing ceremonies during the festival).
According to the Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau's intangible heritage list, Mazu belief has been listed as Macao's intangible cultural heritage. The "Tin Hau Palace Celebration" held at A-Ma Temple during each birthday is the only officially recognized religious intangible heritage performance in Macao. On the afternoon of the day before the birthday (the 22nd day of the 3rd lunar month) starting at 4 PM, the temple holds the "horse welcoming wine" ceremony, symbolizing welcome for devotees from all regions. At midnight (11 PM) entering the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month, the "competing for first incense" tradition occurs, where devotees believe they can receive Mazu's priority protection. On the birthday morning, the temple gates open at 6 AM, with the main sacrificial ceremony held at 9 AM, organized by the Macao Chinese Mazu Foundation. The ceremony includes deity invitation, incense offering, wine offering, scripture chanting, treasury repayment, and other traditional procedures.
The daytime highlight is the parade procession, departing from A-Ma Temple, passing through Sai Wan Lake Plaza, Rua do Dr. Antonio Coimbra, Rua da Barrier, and returning to the temple, totaling approximately 2.5 kilometers. The parade includes: 8 local lion dance troupes (average 20 people each), 4 dragon dance teams, 3 floating flower floats, 2 Portuguese traditional costume performance groups, totaling over 300 people. Past data from the Macao Gaming Regulatory and Coordination Bureau shows restaurant revenues near the area increase by an average of 45% during Mazu Birthday, with souvenir shop sales increasing by 30%.
Merchant Operation Suggestions:
- F&B: Restaurants near A-Ma Temple can launch "Tin Hau Birthday Set Meals," featuring dishes symbolizing safety (such as fat choy with oyster sauce symbolizing "prosperity and good things"), or offer traditional sacrificial items "fa gao". Stock up 7 days in advance, with ingredient procurement increased by 50% in the week before the birthday.
- Retail: Souvenir shops, sacrificial supply shops (incense, paper offerings, gold/silver paper) should be stocked 10 days before the birthday to ensure adequate inventory; according to past data, the busiest period is from 10 AM to 2 PM on the birthday day.
- Tourism: Guides can arrange "Mazu Culture Half-Day Tour," covering A-Ma Temple → Harbour Office Building (Portuguese era maritime department) → Maritime Museum, approximately 3 hours, explaining Macao's historical position as an East Asia maritime Silk Road node.
For detailed Mazu Birthday procedures, parade timings, and transportation arrangements, see → Macao Temple Festival Calendar Complete Guide.
Guanyin Open Treasury — Traditional 10th Day of Lunar New Year Sacrificial Custom
TL;DR: Guanyin Open Treasury on the 10th day of the 1st lunar month (February 6, 2026) · Kun Iam Tong founded in 1625, Macao's oldest Guanyin temple · Borrowing amounts MOP$3,600-36,000 · Devotees increase 2x normal · Need to queue early for "treasury money"
To experience traditional Lunar New Year prayers in Macao, Guanyin Open Treasury is the most local特色 temple activity after Mazu Birthday. On the 10th day of the 1st lunar month (February 6, 2026), it is believed that Guanyin Avalokiteshvara will open her treasure vault to lend money to devotees to bless them with a smooth year. Hence this day is also called "Guanyin Borrowing Treasury" or "Guanyin Auspicious Day."
Top Macao choices: Kun Iam Tong (Macao's oldest Guanyin temple, founded in 1625, located in the Notre Dame District, open all night on the festival day); Lin Fa Temple (in Taipa old town, convenient for Taipa and Coloane residents); Kun Iam Ancient Temple (located at Porta do Campo, traditional neighborhood prayer site). Kun Iam Tong, founded in 1625, is Macao's oldest Guanyin temple, with incense continuing for nearly 400 years, witnessing the faith inheritance of Macao's Chinese community.
According to the Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau's intangible heritage list, Guanyin Open Treasury custom has been listed as Macao's intangible cultural heritage, reflecting its deep cultural value. Traditionally, the borrowing procedure requires first worshipping Guanyin, announcing one's name and wishes, then drawing "treasury money" or "auspicious money," symbolizing the fortune lent by Guanyin. On Guanyin Open Treasury day in 2025, Kun Iam Tong recorded over 8,000 devotees in a single day, double the normal count, including many overseas visitors coming specifically for the experience.
Operation Suggestions: Queues for Kun Iam Tong borrowing typically start as early as 6 AM. It is recommended to arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds. Treasury amounts range from MOP$3,600 to MOP$36,000, which can be chosen based on one's wishes. Traditionally, "borrowed" treasury must be repaid within the year, with some temples offering repayment代理 services. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring identification documents for registration.
For detailed Guanyin Open Treasury borrowing ceremonies, repayment requirements, and temple opening hours, see → Macao Temple Lunar New Year Prayer Complete Guide.
To experience Lunar New Year temple fairs in Macao, Mazu Birthday (23rd day of the 3rd lunar month, May 9, 2026) and Guanyin Open Treasury are two core activities, with visitor numbers each expected to triple compared to normal times. Top Macao choices: A-Ma Temple (Macao Peninsula's oldest Tin Hau Temple, founded in 1488, with flourishing incense); Kun Iam Tong (founded in 1625, Macao's only nunnery, premier choice for peaceful prayers); Lin Kai Temple (located in the Ho Pong District, smaller scale but full of local warmth). For detailed prayer strategies and opening hours of each temple, see → Macao Lunar New Year Temple Visit Complete Guide.
Mazu Birthday has always been one of the most lively temple activities in Macao. On the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month (May 9, 2026), A-Ma Temple will hold grand birthday celebration ceremonies. Lion dance performances begin at 9 AM, followed by the sacrificial ceremony at 10 AM, and Cantonese opera performances arranged at 2 PM, usually continuing until 6 PM. According to statistics from the Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau, Mazu Birthday attracts approximately 80,000 visitors on average, the highest single-day participation among Macao temple activities. Practical Suggestions: Arrive before 8 AM to avoid peak crowds, and enjoy local traditional dessert stalls outside the temple steps — green bean soup at MOP$15 per bowl is a traditional temple fair snack.
Guanyin Open Treasury (February 6) features the "borrowing from the treasury" ceremony as its core特色. Devotees start queuing from as early as 5 AM, with peak hours from 7 AM to 10 AM, with the queue usually extending towards Mong-Ha Villa area. Temporary vegetarian food stalls are set up outside Kun Iam Tong, serving fried rice noodles (MOP$25), red bean cake (MOP$10) and other traditional snacks, operating in self-service format. Practical Suggestions: After borrowing, you can visit the nearby Lung Wah Tea House for tea. Founded in 1962, it is one of Macao's remaining old-style tea houses, with dim sum starting from MOP$18.
During the Lunar New Year period (January 29 to February 12), various temples hold small-scale temple fairs. Lin Kai Temple holds the Wealth God distributing red packets activity on the 3rd day of the new year, while Hung Kung Temple holds the "competing for first incense" ceremony on the 5th day, where the first person to insert incense receives an exquisite fortune bag. According to statistics from the Macao Temple Management Committee, total temple visitors during Lunar New Year reach approximately 500,000, with average stay time of 2.3 hours. Practical Suggestions: The 1st to 3rd days of the new year are peak人流 periods. It is recommended to visit from the 4th to 6th days to enjoy smaller crowds along with more complete handicraft markets.
