Home » Events » Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day 2

Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

English: Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day, Portuguese: Dia Comemorativo do Estabelecimento da Região Administrativa Especial de Macau (RAEM), Traditional: 澳門特別行政區成立紀念日, Simplified: 澳门特别行政区成立纪念日

The Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day is an important holiday in Macau.

Every 20th December, it celebrates Macau’s freedom from Portuguese rule and its return to China’s special administrative region.

Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day, 2024 Dates

This event also marks the end of Macau’s colonial days. Macau was part of mainland China until 1550 when the Portuguese colonised it. These centuries under Portuguese rule brought tremendous economic and cultural benefits to the country, though it was difficult for Portugal to let go of its colonies. That didn’t stop Macau: from 1974 onwards, the people worked towards gradual independence.

Finally, in 1999, Portugal signed an agreement to return Macau to China, which was made official on the 20th of December. Due to its historical significance, it’s a public holiday in Macau, and most offices and schools are closed. However, the Macao Government Tourism Office always organises exciting activities and events for locals and visitors in town during this time. The goal is always to highlight the significance of local tourism, the cultural diversity that Portuguese rule brought about, the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy, and so much more.

There are many activities to enjoy on Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day. Since it’s a public holiday, you can check out a casino to try your hand at the slot machine or blackjack. Explore the food scene and indulge in local favourites such as pork chop buns, Portuguese egg tarts, almond cookies, sweet beef jerky, and more. Spend time outdoors and enjoy a coffee with a view of famous world heritage sites. With all the exciting things to do around town, this holiday is the perfect day to make the most of it.

The Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day is an opportunity to reflect on the country’s colourful history.

About the author

Holiday Point

Michael created and runs the Macau Travel Hub website, as well as the Holiday Point travel brand that incorporates a network of 16 location based travel information and attraction websites around Australia, Asia, and around the world.

With 25+ years of online experience and a passion for travel (having visited Macau many times and walked around nearly every single part of the City), Michael not only researches and writes content for the website, he also tinkers behind the scenes with the website functionality & design.

Please reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.

What date is the Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day?
What time is the Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day?
Where is the Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day located?
What is the Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day address?
What are the Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day entry prices?
What is the Macao Special Administrative Region Establishment Day phone number?

Weather Forecast

MACAU WEATHER

Upcoming Events