400 hundred years ago on 24 June, Dutch ambitions led to the pursuit of a foothold in the lucrative Chinese market. The Dutch suffered a definite setback after their attempt to wrestle Macau from the Portuguese was crushed by a relatively smaller force of resistance made up of a humble garrison and determined popular folks. This event, which came to be known as the greatest Dutch defeat in Asia, happened on St. John the Baptist Day. Thereafter, the Sena do da Camara de Macau proclaimed June 24 as a celebratory day for the patron saint that had blessed Macau’s safety. It was also an homage to all the brave citizens who fought to keep the Dutch intruders at bay.