Macau's Portuguese-Style Drill Leaves Formal Ceremonies After More Than Half a Century

October 1, 2026

Macau's security forces formally adopted Chinese-style military salutes and marching drills on October 1, bringing a long-standing Portuguese-style drill tradition to an end in official ceremonies.

The change took effect under a revised regulation governing ceremonial and saluting procedures for Macau's security forces and related departments. The new rules align their ceremonial standards with national standards, while the Portuguese-style drill will be preserved as a cultural tradition rather than used as the standard for formal occasions.

A New Drill at Macau's National Day Ceremony

The change was formally visible at Macau's National Day flag-raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square on October 1.

Security personnel taking part in the ceremony used Chinese-style salutes and marching drills, marking the first major formal ceremony under the revised regulations.

The revised rules cover a range of ceremonial procedures, including salutes to the national flag, national anthem, Macau's regional flag and the Chief Executive, as well as military-style inspections and formations.

Most personnel had completed their training in the new drill system before the rules took effect, according to Macau officials.

The End of an Era, But Not the End of the Tradition

The Portuguese-style drill has been part of Macau's public and ceremonial landscape for decades.

Because of its historical association with Macau's Portuguese heritage, the drill has also become part of the city's collective cultural memory.

The government's new policy, however, does not completely abolish the tradition.

Macau officials have said that the Portuguese-style drill will be retained as a cultural form, while Chinese-style drills will be used during official ceremonies. The two traditions are therefore being given different roles rather than one being completely erased.

Why Is Macau Making the Change?

The Macau government said the revision is intended to strengthen patriotic education, better demonstrate national sovereignty and national spirit, and bring the ceremonial and saluting system of Macau's security forces into alignment with national standards.

The transition has been in preparation for several years.

Macau officials said preparations for Chinese-style drill training had begun as early as 2020, but were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A new round of preparations began in early 2025, allowing personnel to undergo extended training before the new regulations came into effect.

A Symbolic Change After Decades

The shift from Portuguese-style to Chinese-style marching is about more than the movement of soldiers' feet.

Ceremonial drills, salutes and formations are public expressions of institutional identity, particularly during major national and regional ceremonies.

From October 1 onward, Macau's security forces will use Chinese-style drills as the formal standard. Portuguese-style drills, meanwhile, will remain part of Macau's cultural heritage.

In that sense, the change does not mean that Macau's Portuguese-style drill has disappeared completely. Rather,its role in official ceremonies has ended, while its cultural and historical value is being preserved.

For Macau residents who have grown up seeing the distinctive marching style at public events, October 1 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the city's ceremonial history.