Important Reminder: The official detailed 2026 schedule is expected to be released from mid-June to early July 2026 by the Macau Cultural Affairs Bureau, Tourism Bureau, and Transport Bureau. It is recommended to follow official channels closely.

3. Parade Routes (Two Temples Analysis)

3.1 Na Tcha Temple at St. Paul's Parade Routes

Route A: "Prince Na Tcha Procession and Floating Colours Parade" (Afternoon of the 17th day of the fifth lunar month)

Na Tcha Temple at St. Paul's Square
  ↓
St. Paul's Street
  ↓
Rua de Santa Maria
  ↓
Senado Square (transfer point)
  ↓
Rua Nova do Mercado
  ↓
Rua do Mercado
  ↓
Rua da Barca
  ↓
Rua de 5 de Outubro
  ↓
Rua do Campo
  ↓
St. Dominic's Square
  ↓
Rua da Rodrigues de Almeida
  ↓
Rua do Entrevero
  ↓
Rua de São João (end point)

Characteristics: Crosses the central part of the Macau Peninsula, connecting the old town area; suitable for viewing along the route; St. Dominic's Square was the old town's commercial hub with high pedestrian traffic.

Route B: "Lion Dance Vegetable Harvesting" (Morning of the 18th day of the fifth lunar month)

Longer distance parade, including:
- St. Paul's, Camões Garden, Rua da Vitória, Jiangwan, A-Ma Temple, Rua de 5 de Outubro, Rua de São João, Clock Tower Garden, etc.
- Taipa Route (branch parade)

Characteristics: Longer itinerary, taking 3-4 hours; covers landmark locations in Macau; easy for tourists to follow along the way.

3.2 Na Tcha Ancient Temple at Kam Shan Parade Routes

"Prince Na Tcha Procession Ceremony" (After 10:00am on the 18th day of the fifth lunar month)

Na Tcha Ancient Temple at Kam Shan (start point)
  ↓
St. Dominic's Street
  ↓
Rua de 5 de Outubro
  ↓
Rua da Felicidade
  ↓
Rua do Mercado
  ↓
Senado Square (stopover for 30 minutes for worshippers to pay respects)
  ↓
Return via the same route
  ↓
Na Tcha Ancient Temple at Kam Shan (end point)

Characteristics:
- Shorter distance (round trip approximately 2-3 hours)
- Passes through Rua da Felicidade (Macau's famous food street)
- Senado Square serves as a transfer point, with a 30-minute stopover for worshippers
- Note: The Kam Shan parade does not go to St. Paul's; the two temple parade routes are completely independent

3.3 Traffic Control Overview

According to the 2025 Transport Bureau arrangements, similar timings in 2026 are expected to include:

Road sections affected by the Kam Shan parade (10:00am - 2:00pm on the 18th day of the fifth lunar month):
- Na Tcha Temple Slope
- St. Dominic's Street
- Rua de Santa Maria
- Rua da Barca
- Rua de 5 de Outubro
- Rua da Felicidade
- Rua do Mercado
- Senado Square
- Rua do Monte
- Mount Fortress Slope

Control method: Limited vehicle access (partial road closures in phases)

Latest information: Please check the DSAT website from mid-June to late June 2026 for specific arrangements.

4. Shen Gong Xi + Fortune Amulet Distribution

4.1 Shen Gong Xi Performance

Ruins of St. Paul's Nezha Temple Shen Gong Xi

Persimmon Hill Nezha Ancient Temple Shen Gong Xi

4.2 Fortune Amulet Distribution (Printing of Peace Amulets)

Persimmon Hill Nezha Ancient Temple "Opening of the Seal Ceremony" (17th night of the lunar May)

Time: 17th night of the lunar May Zi Hour (23:00-01:00)

Procedure:
1. Seal opens punctually at Zi Hour: The temple begins distributing peace amulets (printed peace amulets, Nezha seal amulets) stamped with the sacred seal
2. Queue to collect: Members of the public queue inside or outside the temple; volunteers assist with crowd control
3. Collect amulets in order: Each worshipper may collect one set of peace amulets in order
4. Registration (optional): Some temples may require name or signature registration
5. Offerings (optional): No fixed amount; donate as you wish; there is usually a merit box for donations

Queueing advice:
- To obtain the "Opening of the Seal amulet", it is recommended to arrive at Persimmon Hill before 22:00 on the 17th evening of the lunar May and ask the on-site volunteers for the queue location
- Due to traditional customs, there may be large crowds on site; it is advisable to prepare in advance

Ruins of St. Paul's Nezha Temple "Blessing, Star Praise and Fortune-Shifting Ceremony" (Morning of the 18th of the lunar May)

Time: Morning of the 18th of the lunar May 09:30

Procedure:
1. Ceremony begins: The temple holds a blessing, star praise and fortune-shifting ceremony
2. Purification ceremony: The Taoist priest or temple keeper performs purification (symbolising cleansing and blessing)
3. Fortune-shifting ceremony: Fortune-shifting prayers are conducted
4. Collect amulet sets: Worshippers may queue to collect fortune amulets or peace amulets after the ceremony
5. Offerings (voluntary): No fixed amount; donate as you wish; the merit box or registration desk serves as the standard

Queue Suggestions:
- If you wish to participate in the ceremony and receive the amulet register, it is recommended to arrive at the Ruins of St. Paul's between 07:30 and 08:00 (the temple opens at 08:00)
- Avoid the evening tourist peak hours

4.3 Donation Guidelines

Key point: Donations at Macau temples are usually "voluntary contributions" with no official fixed amount.

Preparation Suggestions:
- Prepare cash in MOP 10, 20, 50 and 100 denominations to allow flexible adjustment according to the situation on site
- Credit cards are not accepted (at most temples); some temples may have QR code transfer options, but it is recommended to have cash on hand

5. Nearby Vegetarian/Family Restaurants

5.1 Around St. Paul's and Na Tcha Temple

Puffin Café (Most Recommended Family Option)

• Address: Shop J, 14C Xin Yun Building, Rua de São Lázaro / Near Rua de São Lázaro 14, Macau
• Type: Vegan/Vegetarian Western cuisine, burgers, wraps, coffee, milkshakes
• Highlights: Relaxed environment; suitable for a quick break; high-quality coffee/milkshakes
• Opening Hours: Approximately 11:00-21:00/21:30 (recommended to call ahead)
• Telephone: +853 2883 6663
• Sources: VegGirl Club, OLA Platform

Hou Kong Chon Vegetarian Restaurant (Formal Vegetarian Buddhist Cuisine)

• Address: 20 Rua do Bispo and 180 Rua da Praia do Manduco, Macau
• Type: Chinese vegetarian/Buddhist cuisine; mushroom dishes featuring matsutake, black truffle, morel, and porcini
• Highlights: Ideal for formal family dinners; generous portions; suitable for elders
• Opening Hours: 10:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00
• Telephone: +853 2886 1231
• Sources: OLA Platform

5.2 Around Mount Hill / St. Dominic's (Camoes Garden)

Veggie Macau (Family Light Bites)

• Address: Ground Floor A, Quan Sheng Xuan, 28A-28D Rua de João Lecaros, São Lázaro (Santa Little Eastern / St. Dominic's), Macau
• Type: Vegetarian/vegan/lacto-ovo; pasta, risotto, burgers, desserts
• Highlights: Convenient route from St. Dominic's; comfortable environment; wide dessert selection
• Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday 12:00-21:00; Tuesday closed (recommended to call ahead)
• Telephone: +853 2872 3751
• Sources: Macau Lifestyle

5.3 Priority Recommendations

5.3 Priority Recommendations

6. DSAT Traffic Control (Expected Arrangements)

6.1 Current Status (as of 12 May 2026)

The Transport Bureau of Macau (DSAT) has not yet published the detailed traffic control notices for the 2026 Na Tcha Festival procession.

Known Information:
- In 2025, traffic control for the procession was implemented from 10:00 to 14:00 on the 18th day of the 5th lunar month (13 June, Gregorian calendar)
- DSAT official channels began releasing temporary traffic diversion news in early June

6.2 Expected Affected Roads (Based on Historical Data)

Procession via Persimmon Hill:

• Na Tcha Temple Slope
• St. Dominic's Street
• Market Street
• Hay Market Street
• Rua de Cinco de Outubro
• New Road
• Commercial Street
• Largo do Senado
• Fortress Street
• Mount Hill Slope

Procession via Ruins of St. Paul's:

• Ruins of St. Paul's Street
• Market Street
• Largo do Senado
• Rua Nova do Mercado
• Commercial Street
• Hay Market Street
• Rua de Cinco de Outubro
• Calçada da Barca
• Largo de St. Antonio
• Rua de Coelho do Amaral
• Rua de Pedro N. Amor
• Rua de Eduardo Prado

6.3 Control Measures

Expected Control Measures (Based on previous years' practices):
- Partial Road Closures (phased or time-based closures)
- No Parking (on certain roads)
- One-Way Traffic (on certain roads)
- Public Transport Diversions (buses rerouted via alternative routes)

6.4 How to Enquire

Official Channels:
- DSAT Temporary Traffic Diversion Homepage
- Radio Macau Traffic Broadcast (updates every hour)
- Macau Government Information Centre: https://www.gov.mo/

Recommended Enquiry Time: Mid-June to end of June

7. Recommended Viewing Times

7.1 Categorised by Crowd and Experience

7.2 Categorised by Purpose

Purpose A: Obtaining the Opening Seal Talisman (Traditional Must-Do)

• Best Time: 17th day of fifth lunar month, night 22:00-00:30 (Tai Shan)
• Why: Traditional Opening of the Seal at midnight; crowds are relatively manageable; temple volunteers help maintain order
• Time Required: 1-2 hours (including queueing)
• Recommended Gear: Warm clothing (evening); cash (offerings); ID card (some temples may require)

Purpose B: Attending Dharma Assembly + Fortune Blessing

• Best Time: 18th day of fifth lunar month, morning 08:00-09:30 (Fortune Blessing and Star Turning Ritual at Ruins of St. Paul's)
• Why: Official formal ceremony; solemn and grand; participant numbers are well controlled
• Time Required: 1 hour (including ceremony and talisman collection)
• Recommended Gear: Casual clothing; cash; ID card

Purpose C: Watching Procession + Chinese Opera

• Best Time: 18th day of fifth lunar month, morning 10:00-11:30 (Tai Shan Procession) OR afternoon 14:30-17:00 (Ruins of St. Paul's Procession)
• Why: Official formal procession times; many photo spots; rich cultural experience
• Time Required: 2-3 hours (including viewing and queueing)
• Recommended Gear: Sun hat/sunscreen; camera; lightweight clothing; drinking water

Purpose D: Family Experience with Children (Avoiding Peak Times)

• Best Time: 18th day of fifth lunar month, morning 08:00-09:30 (Ruins of St. Paul's) + Lunch (Puffin Café or Hou Kong Chun) + afternoon 15:00-16:30 (Second Half of Procession)
• Why: Participate at staggered times; avoid evening peak; allow time for meals
• Time Required: Full day 4-5 hours (including activities and meals)
• Recommended Gear: Children's snacks; wet tissues; sunscreen; family backpack

7.3 Crowd Predictions and Strategies

Expected Peak Times:
- Evening 17:00-19:30 (Talisman collection, Chinese Opera peak)
- Lunchtime 12:00-13:00 (Restaurant crowds)

Ways to avoid the crowds:
- Visit in the morning between 08:00-10:00 (fewest people)
- Go to the temple in the evening between 19:30-21:00 (fewer crowds than at dusk)
- Book opera tickets in advance where the temple offers this

常見問題 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact date of Nezha's Birthday in 2026?

**A:** The 18th day of the lunar month, which corresponds to **2 July 2026 (Thursday)** in the Gregorian calendar. The main activities will take place on the night of the 17th day of the lunar month (1 July) through to the 18th.

Will the Hak Saan and Ruins of St. Paul's processions be combined or connected?

**A:** No. The two temple processions follow completely independent routes: - **Hak Saan**: Hak Saan → Senado Square → Return to Hak Saan (round trip) - **Ruins of St. Paul's**: Ruins of St. Paul's → Senado Square → Rua de Santa Clara (one-way) It is recommended to participate in both temples separately.

Is there a fixed amount for incense money donations?

**A:** No. Temple incense money donations in Macau are all "voluntary contributions." It is recommended to prepare cash in denominations of MOP 20-100, and donate according to the on-site instructions or personal sincerity.

Is there a difference between Opening Seal Talismans and Peace Talismans?

**A:** Opening Seal Talismans generally refer to the Peace Talismans distributed at Hak Saan during the zi hour on the 17th day of the lunar month, stamped with the temple's precious seal. Peace Talismans broadly refer to various types of blessing talismans. Both carry protective significance; there is no fundamental difference.

How can I avoid the crowds?

**A:** - Arrive at the Ruins of St. Paul's between 07:30-08:30 (quietest time) - Visit Hak Saan between 22:00-24:00 on the 17th day of the lunar month (traditional time slot, crowds are orderly) - Avoid the evening period between 17:00-19:00