21st Lusofonia Festival takes place next week and offers a diversified programme that introduces the lusophone culture
Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and co-organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the 21st Lusofonia Festival will be held from 19 to 21 October, at the Taipa Houses, introducing to the public the lusophone culture. The Festival offers a diversified programme of activities, including music and dance performances, booths, gastronomy and games, allowing residents and tourists to experience the Portuguese customs and feel the Festival’s cheerful atmosphere.
The first edition of the Lusofonia Festival was held on 10 June 1998, integrated in the programme of activities celebrating the Portuguese National Day, honouring the Portuguese-speaking community residents in Macao for its contribution to Macao’s development. Over the years it has become a cultural event of the Portuguese-speaking communities, showcasing Macao’s role as a platform of cultural exchange between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries.
The programme of this edition of the Festival is as diversified as in previous years. Different booths of Macao Portuguese-speaking communities from ten countries or regions, namely Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Goa, Daman and Diu, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, Macao and East Timor, will be set up, introducing their countries or regions’ traditional music, photographs, arts and crafts, costumes, literature and gastronomy.
In each day of the Festival, performing groups from nine Portuguese-speaking countries and regions will perform different styles of music and dance. Several local art groups will also perform at the Carmo Square. In addition, a temporary restaurant serving Portuguese flavour and dishes, namely typical Portuguese grilled food and specialties from the various Portuguese-speaking countries/ regions will be installed.
In terms of recreation, visitors of all ages can participate in traditional Portuguese games and table football tournaments, as well as experience the sensations of the Guia Circuit through a Macau Grand Prix Simulator; while children can take photographs and take pony rides, as well as participate in various children’s games. A radio station will be installed on site to broadcast Portuguese music throughout the day.
The 21st Lusofonia Festival offers lots of animation and joy through a diversified programme, allowing visitors to experience the vitality of the Portuguese-speaking countries and have a deeper understanding of the culture of each Portuguese-speaking country and region in a festive atmosphere. For more information, please visit IC’s website at www.icm.gov.mo or call IC through tel. no. 8394 3702, during office hours.
