If you are looking for a unique and colorful festival to experience in Macau, you might want to check out the Feast of the Drunken Dragon. This is a traditional folk festival that celebrates the fishmongers of Macau, who are known for their lively and energetic performances of the drunken dragon dance. The festival is held on the eighth day of the fourth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls in May or June. The festival has a long history and a rich cultural significance, as it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the fishermen and the people of Macau.

The origin of the festival is related to a legend that dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). According to the legend, a group of fishermen encountered a plague-infected python in the sea, which they mistook for a dragon. They killed the python and brought it ashore, where they cut it into pieces and distributed it among themselves. However, they soon realized that they had eaten poisonous meat, and they started to feel sick and dizzy. In order to save themselves, they drank a lot of wine mixed with herbs, and they began to dance wildly with the wooden head and tail of the python, pretending that it was still alive. Miraculously, they survived the ordeal, and they attributed their recovery to the power of the drunken dragon.

The festival today is a grand celebration that involves various activities and rituals. The main event is the Drunken Dragon Parade, which starts in the morning at the Kuan Tai Temple near Senado Square. There, dozens of men from different fishmonger associations gather to perform the drunken dragon dance. They wear straw hats and red scarves, and they carry wooden dragon heads and tails that are connected by a long cloth. They swing and toss the dragons around, while splashing wine on themselves and on the spectators. They also drink wine from bottles or bowls, sometimes spitting it out or pouring it over their heads. They act as if they are drunk and possessed by the spirit of the dragon, making loud noises and funny gestures. The parade then moves through the streets of Macau, stopping at various temples and markets along the way. The fishmongers also distribute free longevity rice to the public, which is cooked rice mixed with dragon blood (actually wine) and herbs. The longevity rice is said to have healing properties and to bring good fortune to those who eat it.

Another highlight of the festival is the lion dance performance, which is also done by the fishmonger associations. The lion dance is a traditional Chinese art form that symbolizes power and courage. The lion dancers wear colorful costumes and masks that resemble lions, and they move in sync with drums and cymbals. They also perform acrobatic stunts and interact with the audience. The lion dance is usually performed at auspicious occasions, such as festivals, weddings, or business openings. The lion dance at the Feast of the Drunken Dragon is especially spectacular, as it involves more than 100 lions from different associations.

The Feast of the Drunken Dragon is a unique and fascinating festival that showcases the culture and spirit of Macau. It is a festival that celebrates life, joy, and gratitude. It is also a festival that honors the fishmongers of Macau, who are an important part of the city's history and economy. If you have a chance to visit Macau during this time of year, don't miss this opportunity to witness this amazing spectacle.

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