MACAO, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- A grand float parade and the first of three Chinese New Year drone-enhanced fireworks displays lit up Macao on Thursday, the third day of the Year of the Horse, drawing residents and visitors into festive celebrations.

About 1,300 performers from Macao, Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and others joined the parade, alongside 17 floats, according to the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) tourism office.

The float parade has become one of Macao's signature festive events, showcasing the city's hospitality and vibrant spirit, said Tai Kin Ip, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR government.

Jorge Ramos, a member of the performing team from Portugal, brought a dance from his hometown with his colleagues. "We bring our culture and our soul," he said, adding that the local acts struck them as exotic and beautiful. "Watching them perform was inspiring," he said.

After the parade, the sky above the sea near Macao Tower was illuminated by fireworks and drones in formation, combining pyrotechnics, music and laser effects. Flowers, a dancing lion, a running horse, and other auspicious patterns were seen in the sky. ■