The Macao Fishmongers Association and Casa de Portugal Macau have just returned from France, where they took part in the Nice Carnival. The trip was organised by the Macao S.A.R. Cultural Affairs Bureau (CAB) and the Macao Government Tourist Office (MGTO). Both groups, who were participants in last December’s “Parade through Macao, Latin City”, journeyed to France to join several of the parades and activities in the Carnival festivities of the city of Nice, including the Flower parade along the well-known Promenade des Anglais, other themed parades and street processions. Warmly welcomed by the audiences in attendance, they successfully promoted Macao’s unique culture on this platform for artistic exchange.

The theme of the Nice Carnival this year was “King of the Five Continents”, and the event included the usual creative displays and giant puppets, attracting thousands of residents and tourists. Both groups prepared performances that would exemplify the extraordinary talent and professionalism of Macao’s artists, and, despite the cold and rainy conditions in Nice on several of the days they were there, the groups performed to the highest standards, interacting with the public and garnering hearty applause.

The participants were cordially received, upon their arrival, by the Deputy President of the Nice City Hall, Mr. Rudy Salles, who led the Macao delegation on a tour of the Municipal Assembly. Over the course of several days, the groups took part in four Flower Parades and other themed parades, as well as three street parades. Despite the short parade routes, the performances attracted the attention of onlookers and shutterbugs. The Fishmongers’ “Drunken Dragon” won over many new fans curious to learn more about this dance’s history and characteristics, thereby promoting Macao’s intangible cultural heritage. On the evening of February 25, the groups took part in additional activities aimed at promoting the territory’s culture, organised in Nice by the MGTO.

Both groups reported feeling honoured at being invited to take part in such a renowned Parade and considered this a very valuable opportunity. The participants pointed to the Nice Carnival’s lively atmosphere, its warm audiences and the positive interactions with the other groups as highlights of their experiences overseas. Casa de Portugal Macau earned the admiration of adults and children alike, marching with handmade giant puppets that blended Western and Eastern cultural elements, imbuing dance and theatre with unique Macao characteristics. Most of Casa de Portugal’s performers were young students, the youngest being just nine years old. They declared that this opportunity had allowed them to broaden their horizons, learn about the culture of the city of Nice and share the characteristics of Macao’s culture with the French public.