- The “2026 Sands Shopping Carnival” was held from 23 to 26 July at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo.
- This year’s carnival attracted nearly 160,000 visits, setting a new record for attendance.
Macau’s annual signature shopping event, the “Sands Shopping Carnival,” was successfully held from 23 to 26 July at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo, attracting nearly 160,000 visits over four days, setting a new record for the event’s attendance. Since its debut in 2020, the carnival has become a significant platform for promoting the development of local SMEs, supporting Macau’s moderate economic diversification.
In its seventh edition, this year’s Sands Shopping Carnival was the largest ever. Featuring more than 580 booths, the event showcased eight themed exhibition zones, including Household Products, Food Court, Cultural and Creative and more. For the first time, the event introduced a Sports Experience Zone and brought together cultural and creative brands from the Greater Bay Area. The Food Court was a highlight, gathering 58 popular local eateries to deliver a diverse culinary experience for visitors.
The Sands Shopping Carnival has remained committed to supporting Macau’s SMEs over the years. The event has created record-breaking opportunities by providing local businesses with 4,000 complimentary booths since the carnival’s inception. Over the past seven years, over 800,000 visitors have attended. The platform has helped SMEs expand their business opportunities, gain broader exposure, and enhance brand visibility, contributing to Macau’s economic diversification.
Dr Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd., highlighted, “Over the past seven years, the carnival has evolved from an innovative SME initiative into Macau’s largest consumption event. It stands as a testament to the perseverance and growth of the city’s SMEs, while embodying the spirit of solidarity that brings the Macau community together.”
Greater Bay Area Collaboration: A Boost for Cultural Development
For the first time, the carnival saw the inclusion of multiple cultural and creative brands from the Greater Bay Area, enriching the event and fostering cultural exchange between Macau and neighboring cities.
“The carnival has evolved from an innovative SME initiative into Macao’s largest consumption event.” – Dr. Wilfred Wong
One of the carnival’s special features, the “ICBC ePay Presents: Greater Bay Area Karaoke King Singing Competition,” drew nearly 150 contestants from across the region, with over half of them hailing from Hong Kong. Contestants delivered outstanding performances, captivating audiences with their vocal techniques and stage presence. The “Busking Corner,” designed for public participation, also captivated crowds by welcoming amateur singers to perform impromptu live sessions. These initiatives reinforced the carnival’s growing influence across the Greater Bay Area.
Continuing Commitment to Social Responsibility
Sands China further demonstrated its commitment to inclusive community development by collaborating with local social service organizations.
This year’s carnival welcomed 20 such organizations, representing areas such as social rehabilitation, youth development, and animal welfare. The initiative provides opportunities for disadvantaged groups to integrate into society and display their talents, reflecting the social responsibility ingrained within the event.
Participants marketed and sold self-made products, gaining practical experience to build their confidence and skills. A variety of community outreach activities were also held, enhancing Macau’s inclusive social environment.
The carnival’s success and new milestones once again demonstrated its position as Macau’s most prominent summer extravaganza, blending shopping, culture, and entertainment into a single grand experience for locals and visitors from the Greater Bay Area.
