From 17 January to 18 March, residents and tourists can make wishes while throwing coins into the “Albergue Wishing Well” in the cultural and creative space of Albergue, owned by the Macau Holy House of Mercy. Organized by the Círculo dos Amigos da Cultura de Macau (Macao Cultural Friends Circle) and funded by the Macau Foundation, the “Wishing Well and Love Tree” event has been held annually since 2015. As in prior years, this year’s event will support Caritas Macau, promoting the message of cherishing life and supporting World Cancer Day on 4 February.
On 17 January 2023 a launch ceremony was held and Carlos Alberto dos Santos Marreiros from the Macao Cultural Friends Circle and representatives of other supporting organizations attended. Dos Santos Marreiros said that the water well in Albergue, which still holds water to this day, is transformed annually into a wishing well before the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day. The public can attend at no charge to thrown coins to make wishes, and the response over the years has been positive.
Yellow heart-shaped wishing cards are also provided on site, allowing visitors to write their New Year blessings and wishes on the cards, and then hang them on the Albergue “Love Tree”.
