Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym) and the Permanent Secretariat of Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), and co-organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the 20th Lusofonia Festival will be held from 19 to 22 October, at the Taipa-Houses for four consecutive days. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event, and therefore the duration of the event had been extended to 4 days. The Festival offers a diversified programme of activities, namely gastronomy, music and dance shows and games. All residents and tourists are welcome to participate in the event, and experience the joyful, cheerful and harmonious atmosphere and the multiculturalism of the Macao Special Administrative Region.
The first edition of the Lusofonia Festival was held in 1998, integrated in the programme of activities celebrating the Portuguese National Day on 10 June, honouring the Portuguese-speaking community residents in Macao for its contribution to Macao’s development.
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, thereby injecting vitality in the Lusofonia Festival and allowing visitors to get to know in-depth the Portuguese-speaking countries and regions’ rich cultures.
In each day of the event, 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, allowing the public to enjoy music in a relaxed atmosphere while experiencing Portuguese-inspired gastronomy and delicacies.
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 20th Lusofonia Festival offers lots of animation and joy through a diversified programme to the public. All residents and tourists are welcome to participate and experience the festive atmosphere. For more information, please visit IC’s website at www.icm.gov.mo or call IC through tel. no. 8397 3702, during office hours.