[Macao, 20 June 2026] Organised by the District Development Centre of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macao, the “Stay Wild Festival 2026 – World Cup Series” officially opened today with launch ceremonies held at the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards District and the Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory District. Centred on the excitement of the quadrennial World Cup, the event will take place from 19 June to 19 July across three districts: Lai Chi Vun, Iec Long and Barra. Featuring more than 100 market stalls and experiential activities, the series brings together football, family-friendly experiences, lifestyle markets, live music, jersey culture and large-scale live screenings, injecting a vibrant football atmosphere into Macao’s summer season while driving community footfall and district vitality.
Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included Liu Chengting, Director of Social Development Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office; Mai Pang, Advisor to the Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance; Lei Si Leng, Acting Director of the Sports Bureau; Cheang Hio Man, Deputy Director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau; Ng Siu Lai, President of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau; Chan Ka Leong, Chairman of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau – District Development Center; Yeong Keng Hoi and Iun Ioc Va, President and Chairman of the Industrial and Commercial Federation of Islands of Macao; Lei Cheok Kuan, President of the Industrial and Commercial Federation of Central and Southern District of Macao; Vong Vai Hung, Member of the Executive Committee of Teledifusão de Macau, S.A.; Ngan Iek Hang, Assistant General Manager of Bank of China (Macau Branch); Annie Lam, Executive Director of Community Affairs of Sands China Ltd.; Pete Lau, Senior Project Manager, Community Tourism, Chairman’s Office of Galaxy Entertainment Group; Sarah Sun, Brand Marketing Program Manager of MGM; Chang Chin Nam, Vice President of Macao Football Association; and Lam Sio Man, Director of the District Development Centre.
The opening ceremony first unfolded at the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards District, where officiating guests took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and received a football passed on by young mascot kids. The guests then carried the same football to the Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory District for the ceremonial kick-off. This symbolic relay not only marked the beginning of the activities at Iec Long, but also connected the two districts through a shared gesture of movement, momentum and collective celebration, passing energy and hope into the community.
In his speech, Mr Chan Ka Leong, Chairman of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau – District Development Center, said that the event marks the Centre’s third large-scale initiative. Coinciding with the quadrennial World Cup, this year’s series adopts the concept of “three districts, one connection, each with its own theme”, bringing World Cup fever into the community. Through cross-district programming and merchant-linked promotions, the initiative aims to draw visitor traffic into local neighbourhoods. The three districts together feature more than 100 participating units, spanning specialty food and beverage, trendy cultural and creative products, and outdoor sports. Mr Chan also noted that following the launch of last month’s “Barra Slow Festival” and “Rua da Felicidade Tipsy Weekend”, the Centre received positive feedback from nearby merchants, with the events delivering tangible economic benefits and business growth to the community. Looking ahead, the Centre will continue to curate different types of district activities and introduce distinctive, appealing brands, gradually enhancing the overall image and visitor experience of Macao’s neighbourhoods.
The event has also partnered with Bank of China (Macau Branch) and Tai Fung Bank to launch a series of spending rewards. Residents who reach designated spending thresholds by designated banking app at participating merchants near the three districts or at on-site market stalls may enjoy instant discounts, receive e-vouchers, redeem limited-edition World Cup gifts or parking vouchers. In addition, customers who used “BOC Macau App” for payment during the “Barra Slow Festival” or “Felicidade Tipsy Weekend” may redeem special souvenirs at the on-site service counters at the Former Iec Long Firecracker Factory District or Lai Chi Vun Shipyards District. Through this interactive model, the event aims to convert footfall into consumption, enhance visitor participation and further support local merchants.
Lai Chi Vun will present an immersive World Cup carnival and family experience, featuring a mini football pitch, market stalls and photo installations. Iec Long will focus on jersey culture, lifestyle sports and outdoor music, with workshops, bubble football and interactive activities. As the finale district of the series, Barra will open on 4 July and join hands with Adidas to present market experiences, exhibitions and music performances, shaping a contemporary lifestyle hub where football culture meets urban creativity.
Through this cross-district event, the organiser hopes to encourage residents and visitors to explore Macao’s neighbourhoods during the summer period, experiencing the passion of the World Cup alongside the charm of local districts and the joy of outdoor living.
Further details will be announced in due course. For the latest updates, please visit the District Development Centre’s official website at ddcmacao.com, or follow the social media platforms “DistrictWalkMo” and “Stay Wild Festival”.
2026/05/26
