Sands China Launching 'Colorful Spark Pop-up Cultural Creative Playground'
At former Iec Long Firecracker Factory Sept. 27-Jan. 2
in celebration of dual anniversaries
(Macao, Sep 27, 2024) – In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th Anniversary of Macao's Return to the Motherland, Sands China Ltd. is launching a new attraction, the Colorful Spark Pop-up Cultural Creative Playground, at the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory, on display Sept. 27-Jan. 2 as part of Sands China's ongoing revitalisation series.
Colorful Spark features dazzling spark-shaped art installations, educational and entertaining parent-child workshops, and mini games to offer fun and excitement for both residents and visitors – while sharing in the joy of this year as Macao has been designated as a Culture City of East Asia 2025. Additionally, Sands China will spread joy in the community by presenting a special dragon and lion dance parade at 4 p.m. Oct. 1-2 and 2 p.m. Oct. 3 in Taipa Village, at a temporary pedestrian zone in place at designated times during the Oct. 1-7 National Day holiday period.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: "As this year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, it is a celebratory moment for people across the country. Sands China is very pleased to introduce Colorful Spark – a pop-up cultural creative playground featuring gorgeous fireworks-shaped art installations – to share the joy with both residents and tourists in this year of dual anniversaries and to extend our heartfelt best wishes for our country and Macao. It is a joyous celebration that is also a tribute to Macao's profound cultural heritage, aiming to rekindle heart-warming memories of traditional festivals and the scenery of old Macao.
"In the lead up to the inauguration of the pedestrian zone in Taipa Village, Colorful Spark provides a timely opportunity for both residents and visitors to take their friends and relatives to explore a lively cultural creative playground, share in the delight of the celebrations, and experience the charm of Macao as a Culture City of East Asia."
With a century of history, Iec Long Firecracker Factory witnessed the rise and fall of Macao's firecracker industry, which played an important role in the economic development of Macao. Resembling a playground, Colorful Spark was inspired by the form of firecrackers and the vivid colours of fireworks, designed to be a space for both children and adults to enjoy and take photos. It aims to bring joy and beauty to the old town area of Taipa during festive celebrations, attracting families and young visitors to explore the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory and introducing the younger generation to the culture of firecrackers.
Besides the ample photo-taking spots, the installation includes mini games and other activities. A stamp collecting game sends residents and tourists on a treasure hunt to find four stamp collection points distributed throughout the park, each featuring different stamp designs. Inspired by firecracker-making procedures, an interactive experience zone installed at the exhibition hall allows visitors to learn about the complex process of firecracker making in an engaging way, enhancing their understanding of traditional firecracker production. During the periods of National Day, the Macau Grand Prix, and Christmas, themed parent-child workshops offer activities that include making kaleidoscopes, illumined planetary night lights, and Christmas-themed mosaic coasters. Interested individuals can register on-site, with each free workshop session able to accommodate 20 participants.
The Colorful Spark Pop-up Cultural Creative Playground is the latest initiative of Sands China's revitalisation series, which includes the revitalisation and optimisation plan of the areas around the former Iec Long Firecracker Factory, the Taipa Houses, Rua das Estalagens, Pátio da Eterna Felicidade, and Macao Cultural Centre Square, in cooperation with the Macao SAR government.
Since September 2023, when the government entrusted integrated resort operators with promoting community revitalisation, Sands China has launched various projects, including an entrepreneurship recruitment programme, festive themed celebrations, art installations, large-scale outdoor orchestral concerts, and parent-child workshops. Visit www.sandschina.com/the-company/scl-community-revitalization-programme.html to learn more about Sands China's revitalisation initiatives.
