What’s happening around the region

feb 08

Hong Kong Marathon

Line the route or get down to the finish at Victoria Park to cheer on the hardy souls competing in the 2009 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. This year’s 10k, half and full marathons will see more than 50,000 runners pounding the streets past some of the city’s most iconic spots. Keep an eye out for some innovative outfits as the 10k runners vie for the Best Costume awards.

www.hkmarathon.com

feb 20-22

Top Gear Live
Feel the need for speed? Then get down to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre where Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond from the award-winning Top Gear BBC TV series will be presenting a dramatic live show featuring breathtaking stunts, amazing special effects and blockbusting driving sequences. Tickets: HK$288-HK$988

www.topgearlive.com.hk

feb 28-01 Mar

Procession of the Passion of Our Lord
This distinctly Macanese celebration sees an image of Jesus Christ on the cross carried in solemn procession from St Augustine’s Church to the Macau Cathedral, where devoted Catholics take part in an overnight vigil. The following day it returns through the city with stops at the various Stations of the Cross accompanied by magenta-robed escorts and a throng of faithful followers and curious onlookers.

www.macautourism.gov.mo

feb 20-22

Disney On Ice
Throw on a woolly before heading over to the AsiaWorld Expo to catch the Princess Wishes World Tour. The extravaganza features fairy-tale princes wooing beautiful maidens while gliding gracefully along on a magical sheet of ice. Romance and athleticism merge with all the puff and pageantry expected from a Disney production. Tickets: HK$150-$390

www.disney.com.hk/onice

26 Feb

Feast of Tou Tei
Each year, Macau honours earth god Tou Tei with a day of worship at the Tou Tei Temple in Taipa’s Pagode do Patane Square. Along with the burning of incense and offerings, there’ll be traditional lion dances and a dedication ceremony.

www.macautourism.gov.mo

Feb 6-8 Mar

Hong Kong Arts Festival
All the world’s a stage this February in Hong Kong as the brightest stars – along with some favourite hams – once again congregate for the 37th annual Hong Kong Arts Festival (see pages 50-53 for the lowdown). This year promises an eye and ear-popping array of international performances at premier venues throughout the city, with opera, ballet and classical music vying for attention alongside modern jazz, contemporary dance and old favourites with new twists.

Ticket prices vary according to event, www.hk.artsfestival.org

Feb 20-21

Ramiro Gallo Quintet
Argentinean violinist and composer Ramiro Gallo brings his quintet to the Macau Cultural Centre to perform his unique brand of tango. Tickets: MOP140

www.ccm.gov.mo