While Macau may be full of glitz, glamour and gaming at its lavish casinos, this destination has a rich history too. A great place to start your journey of discovery would be Senado Square. Getting There Senado Square can be found in the Historic Centre of Macau which has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Within a 12 minute drive from Hotel Okura Macau, this site can be reached by public bus services including the following routes which have stops nearby: 3, 6A, 18A, 33, N1A. What to Expect A visit to Senado Square with its old world charm offers a fascinating contrast to the atmosphere you will find at luxury hotels in Macau. Home to neo-classical buildings, a mosaic-tiled pavement, an old post office …

During the month of April, Sri Lanka celebrates a festival known as the ‘Sinhalese and Tamil New Year’, which is a major anniversary celebrated by most Sri Lankans. It is a time in which not only Sinhalese, but all Sri Lankans come together as one to celebrate. Astrology Astrology plays a rather important role in Avurudu, as the dawn of the new year doesn’t take place at a specific time every year. The auspicious or ‘nakath’ time is specified according to astrological calculations. The duration of time between the old year and new year can take as long as 12 hours and 48 minutes, this is because of the sun crossing he astrological border of the House of Pisces to House of Aries. Every part …

A main Buddhist religious festival celebrating the triple anniversary of Lord Buddha. In Sri Lanka, a majority Buddhist country, this festival brings about brightly lit streets full of creative and intricate lanterns to admire. What is Vesak? The birth, attainment of enlightenment and passing away into Nirvana are the three notable events that Vesak symbolizes. The day is spent in reflection, with devotees offering flowers, lighting lamps and burning incense in the name of God. Several traditional ceremonies occur throughout the island on and before the days leading to Vesak. The day of celebration varies each year. How is it celebrated? Numerous roadside stalls are erected in the evenings, distributing passers-by free drinks and refreshments! Performances and theatre performances close to various temples are a …

The traditional New Year celebrations in Sri Lanka is a time marked by families getting together and various customs being observed by the country’s Sinhala and Tamil communities. A National Holiday The traditional New Year or the Sinhala and Tamil New Year generally falls on 13th and 14th April each year. In the villages, it is also celebrated as a harvest festival and it is a national holiday as well. Look to book family or honeymoon hotels in Sri Lanka in advance during this time; places like Amaya Hunas Falls, Kandy give you a chance to experience some of the New Year festivities. Rituals and Customs The New Year period is marked with a series of auspicious times at which various customs are followed. These include boiling milk in …

Easter is a tradition embedded in Macau’s history and culture, a festive affair celebrated widely across the city. Symbolizing a new beginning, Easter in Macau brings about a new hope.   The traditions During your holiday, step out of one of the luxury hotels in Macau and experience the traditions of Easter all around you! A strong Catholic presence is maintained in Macau, as many people travel to Macau for a significant religious experience. The most anticipated parts of Easter are the procession from the Cathedral across Senado square, St. Dominic’s Square, Travessa Do Bispo and back to the Cathedral. The cathedral is a 17-minute drive from Hotel Okura Macau. The Easter procession is one that represents reflection, giving you the chance to experience the true tradition of …

Sri Lanka celebrates the gaining of her independence from the British colonial rule every year on the 4th of February. Here are some important facts about this national day of Sri Lanka.   The fight for freedom The first cries of dissent against British rule came from the Uva Province and the British responded in kind, massacring countless locals in the Uva-Wellassa region farmlands. Matale also joined the rebellion and this paved the way to fight the battle for freedom. The rebellion resulted in Sri Lankan falling completely under British rule while before the island was a protectorate under the English crown. Overview Sri Lanka, after gaining independence on 4th February 1948, this day is celebrated annually to mark the victory of the country’s freedom …