MACAO -- The 2026 Macao International Parade was held on Sunday afternoon, with the theme "the Maritime Silk Road as a bridge for cultural exchange."

Organized by the Cultural Affairs bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region government and others, this year's parade embodied the concept of "love, peace and cultural integration," gathering performing groups from at home and abroad to sing and dance in dazzling costumes through the urban streets.

The event features over 10 art groups from countries and regions along the Maritime Silk Road across Asia, Europe and Africa, as well as nearly 50 local groups, in an estimated total of nearly 1,600 artists.

The parade procession set off from the landmark Ruins of St. Paul's, passing through the streets and alleys of the Historic Center of Macao. The finale performance was held at the Sai Van Lake Square.

Jamie Ruan, a visitor from Zhuhai in China's Guangdong province, came to Macao specifically for the parade. She told Xinhua that the event was a new experience for her. "The costumes are impressive and distinctive, and I hope Macao will host more activities like this," she said.

Johnson Vong, who joined the parade with his troupe, The Funny Old Tree Theatre Ensemble, for the third time, said the event offers a valuable platform for exchange. "Teams from around the world gather here, and we are glad to learn from and interact with them," he said, hoping the event can bring joy to the community.