Market Fair at Largo do Pagode do Bazar

Back in the past, market fairs in Macao were mostly held in places nearby temples surrounded by residential communities or along the outbound traffic routes. The Hong Kung Temple (also known as Bazaar Pagoda in Portuguese) used to be facing the waterfront dotted by piers, where ships unloaded their goods to the Largo do Pagode do Bazar in front of the temple for sales and distribution. Time after time, the square became a trading centre and many temple-goers would stop over to shop for daily necessities from the vendors who had a wide array of products to offer. Back three decades ago, Largo do Pagode do Bazar, Rua de Cinco de Outubro and their periphery was a thriving district of trade and commerce in the city. When the gaming industry of Macao began to flourish some ten years ago accompanied by new mode of business operations, the district went on a decline.

Over recent years, the MSAR government has stepped up efforts to revamp the district. Once again, festive activities are held in Largo do Pagode do Bazar with game stalls and temporary stage erected in the open for performances by different Chinese opera and drama troupes. Outdoor traditional “poon-choi” (assortment of food served in a basin) banquets for the elderly are held during special occasions.