With the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, countless celebration events are being staged at the Expo Garden.

A series of celebration festivities featuring Macao's unique cultural diversity, such as stage shows and parades, will be held on Macao Day on Wednesday, which overlaps the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday in which people celebrate the full moon. It also symbolizes a great harvest and family bonds.

"By hosting a number of large-scale events performed by local artistic performers, we hope we can bring these festivities to Expo visitors from around the world," said Ieong Pou Yee, director of the Macao Pavilion.

On Macao Day, an all-day-long celebration filled with Macao-themed cultural performances and a street parade will take place at the Urban Square in the Expo's Puxi section.

An opening performance titled Louis Cha's Swordsmanship and Heroes will be staged at the Tak Seng On Pavilion, the second Macao Pavilion at the Urban Best Practices Area. Louis Cha, or Jin Yong, is a famous kungfu novel writer in China.

The music drama Story of Macao, a makeover of the commemorative show that marked the 10th anniversary of Macao's return to China, will portray the indigenous characters of the Macao people: simplicity, self-fulfillment, and blissful savvy, Macao Expo officials said.

Various artists, dance groups and music bands will give performances on the eve of Macao Day.

To enhance the Mid-Autumn Festival ambience, a special prize will be awarded to visitors on Macao Day. Miss Macao will make an appearance for photo opportunities and will pick the lucky draw.

Details of the lucky draw is being kept a secret.

Jade rabbit lanterns and Macao Day commemorative badges will be presented to visitors. Visitors can also take pictures with the jade rabbit mascot.

Meanwhile, organizers of the Taiwan Pavilion have also arranged a series of celebration events. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Taiwan Pavilion's symbolic huge LED ball will become a "full moon", inviting visitors to get together at the Expo Garden and admire the moon.

The Taiwan Pavilion will also give multimedia performances telling ancient stories about the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Also, a number of renowned moon-themed music pieces will be played at the Urban Square in the Puxi section.

On Wednesday, visitors can stamp the special Mid-Autumn Festival seal into their Expo passports at the Taiwan Pavilion.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2010)