ABSTRACT
This chapter problematises the situation of Macao and presents the concept of the eventful city as a potential strategy. It discusses how being eventful is vital to not only mitigate the effects resulting from having an economy based on one single sector dependent on a single market, but to boost the positive social goals that festivals and events bring. The chapter contributes to the understanding of festivals and events as a catalyst of change, particularly from a socio-economic perspective. The views expressed in the chapter are relevant to destinations which are developing the gaming industry, particularly if these destinations are over-reliant on gaming or gaming receipts and are heavily dependent on a single or only a few source markets. The chapter illustrates examples of festivals and events that not only survive but thrive in Macao, under a complex economic, social and political environment. It concludes by a discussion of essential elements to make these festivals and events thrive in Macao.
