Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and co-organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office and the Municipal Affairs Bureau, the 22nd Lusofonia Festival is held from 18 to 20 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 opening ceremony was held on 18 October, at 7pm, at the Taipa Houses Amphitheatre, and was officiated by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam Chon Weng; the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Xue Xiaofeng; the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Mok Ian Ian; the Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; and the member of the Administration Committee on Municipal Affairs of the Municipal Affairs Bureau, Ma Kam Keong.
The first edition of the Lusofonia Festival was held in June 1998, integrated in the programme of activities celebrating the Portugal’s National Day, honouring the Portuguese-speaking 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, East Timor and Macao, were 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 perform different styles of music and dance. Several local art groups 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 is installed.
In terms of recreation, visitors of all ages can participate in traditional Portuguese games and table football tournaments, as well as various children’s games. A radio station is installed on site to broadcast Portuguese music throughout the Festival.
The 22nd 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 the Cultural Affairs Bureau website at www.icm.gov.mo or call IC through tel. no. 8399 6699 during office hours.