Using the Ruins of St. Paul’s as a canvas, the Macao Arts Festival is set to debut

Reporter You T&R / Comprehensive Report

Travelers to Macao in the coming days will witness a fresh new image of the city. The Macao Government Tourism Office is presenting a series of light and shadow art performances to tell Macao’s story, with the first wave taking place at the Ancient Roman Arena at Fisherman’s Wharf. Using world heritage sites such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s and the Guia Lighthouse as backdrops, the shows employ 3D projection technology and special effects music to showcase Macao’s diverse culture and landscape—perfect for interested travelers to check out.


                               ▲ "Building Dreams with Sound and Light," using Macao landmark the Ruins of St. Paul’s as a canvas. (Photo / Provided by Macao Government Tourism Office)

From April 27 to May 11, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, "Images of Macao" will be screened every 10 minutes, with each show lasting six minutes. The performances will be projected against the backdrop of iconic Macao structures such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s, A-Ma Temple, and the Guia Lighthouse. Utilizing 3D projection technology and special effects music, the shows will present Macao’s multicultural identity and scenery. The live visuals will offer a unique take on Macao and use imaging technology to narrate the city’s stories.

Meanwhile, the 25th Macao Arts Festival will officially commence on May 2 and run until June 8. The grand finale, "Building Dreams with Sound and Light," will be presented at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM on May 31, June 1, June 7, and June 8. Using Macao landmark the Ruins of St. Paul’s as a canvas, the show will feature outstanding locally created light and shadow artworks. "Building Dreams with Sound and Light" transforms the Ruins of St. Paul’s into a dream factory for the people of Macao, where audiences’ eyes wander through the fantastical dreams of various individuals under the same sky. These dreams—about the surreal, collective memories, and the future world—will immerse viewers in a dreamlike experience through light, shadow, and sound. Each performance lasts 10 minutes.


▲ Scene from "Images of Macao." (Photo / Provided by Macao Government Tourism Office)

Beyond the stunning light and shadow art, the Macao Arts Festival also offers a diverse range of artistic performances including theater, dance, music, and exhibitions. Fado, Portugal’s most renowned folk music style, will be performed on Sunday, May 4 at 8:00 PM at Taipa Houses–Museum Square. Portuguese fado rising star Carminho will deliver a heartfelt musical evening, and the event is free to attend.

Carminho is regarded as one of the most talented and innovative fado singers of her generation. Her soft yet powerful voice, paired with Portuguese and Spanish guitars—especially in live performances—often moves audiences deeply. Her debut album "Fado" was selected by the renowned British magazine Songlines as one of the top ten best albums of 2011. Her second album "Soul," released in 2012, topped the Portuguese music charts and ranked highly on several international music lists. In 2013, Carminho was honored with the Portuguese Golden Globe Award for Best Artist and the Carlos Paredes Award.