The 2024 Grand Blessing Ceremonies commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th Anniversary of Macau’s Return to China were successfully held at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Center from December 06 to 09, 2024. Over 10,000 participants, including high-ranking Buddhist monks, nuns, and delegates from 40 countries, gathered for this auspicious occasion.

The event was expertly managed by Most Venerable Shi Jie Sheng, Chairman of the Macau Buddhist International Federation and the Buddhist Association of Macau. This significant gathering, which deepened social identity and showcased the city’s multicultural vitality, received enthusiastic support from the Macau government, citizens, and Buddhist believers worldwide.

This grand event, which has previously been held in 2009, 2014, and 2019, has consistently attracted widespread attention, with a combined audience exceeding 100,000. The ceremonies have earned praise for their role in promoting cultural exchange and spiritual unity.

The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland. To honor this milestone, the Buddhist Association of Macau co-hosted the Grand Blessing Ceremonies with the collaboration of dozens of Macau’s associations and the participation of hundreds of thousands of Buddhists worldwide. The event aimed to pray for world peace and celebrate Macau’s reintegration with China.

The ceremonies featured a series of meaningful events, including: 2024 Ritual Blessing Ceremony of Avalokiteshvara from Potala Mountain, 2024 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Religious and Cultural Exchange Series Activities, 1st Macau Vegetarian Carnival, 2024 Ritual Blessing Ceremony for Macau and China, 2024 Thousand Persons Dinner Offering Celebrations.

The first-ever Macau Vegetarian Carnival, hosted by the Buddhist Association of Macau, celebrated vegetarian gastronomy and wholesome living. The event included 60 booths offering diverse vegetarian dishes, cultural products, live performances, seminars, and photo-worthy installations. A lantern ceremony commemorating Macau’s return to the motherland was a highlight of the carnival. Held at Legend Boulevard in the Fisherman’s Wharf, the carnival ran until December 10, 2024, and attracted a wide audience.

The Buddhist Association of Macau, founded in 1996 by Most Venerable Master Jian Zhao and Master Ji Xiu, unites Buddhist organizations and temples to promote Buddhism and social harmony. This event showcased the Buddhist community’s role in fostering unity, advocating for world peace, and supporting initiatives like the “Belt and Road” and the “Chinese Dream.” Over 100 eminent monks, global Buddhist representatives, and distinguished guests joined the ceremonies to pray for prosperity, social stability, and the well-being of humanity. Participants emphasized the mission of Humanistic Buddhism to advocate for love of country and religion, social care, and the betterment of all living beings.

The event provided a platform for equality, diversity, openness, and dialogue among Buddhists worldwide. It promoted the rich traditions of Buddhism, fostered international cooperation, and supported the harmonious coexistence of different civilizations. Attendees were encouraged to practice compassion, spread the Dharma, and contribute to global harmony.

The ceremonies—marked by solemn Buddhist rituals and the pure spirit of compassion—highlighted the blessings for the nation, Macau, Hong Kong, and Chinese people globally. The gathering exemplified the unity of the Buddhist community and underscored the shared aspiration for a harmonious society and a peaceful world. This remarkable event reaffirmed the enduring connection between spirituality and cultural identity, making Macau a beacon of harmony and goodwill.