Feast of Va Kong

The Lin Kai Temple, also known as New Lin Kai Temple, is consecrated to a pantheon of deities, with Supreme Lord Va Kong as the principal divinity and others like Pak Tai (Northern Emperor), Choi Ba Sing Kun (God of Wealth) and King Man Cheong (god of culture and literature).

In the past, a matshed for staging Cantonese opera for divinity would be erected at the open square in front of Lin Kai Temple on the very feast day of Va Kong, which falls on the 28th day of the 9th lunar month. Allegedly, all opera troupes that came to Macao to perform for feasts of divinity at different local temples would, first of all, pay respect to the enshrined Va Kong at Lin Kai Temple before putting up their matshed at the respective temple. By today, the venue for operatic performances to celebrate the feast of Va Kong has been relocated to the San Kio Sports Ground nearby Lin Kai Temple. Legendarily, the celebrations to mark the feast of Va Kong came to exist after his manifestation in 1874, the year when Macao was ravaged by a destructive typhoon. By then, the San Kio district was almost inundated by the floodwaters and many people were drowned to death after falling into the stream while crossing a wooden bridge. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning surged through the stormy sky. Amidst the lightning blaze, some people saw a three-eyed deity, with the third eye on his forehead, descended slowly into the Lin Kai Temple. All residents of the district unanimously claimed that it was a manifestation of Supreme Lord Va Kong. Since then, celebrative activities have been held at the Temple yearly to mark his divine feast.