Cultural Affairs Bureau hosts “Macao’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Carnival” in June

In response to the “China Cultural and Natural Heritage Day”, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym) will hold the “Macao’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Carnival” at Mandarin’s House and Lilau Square on 9 and 10 June, from 12pm to 6pm, respectively, aiming to create an environment favouring cultural heritage protection and to raise public awareness and understanding about Macao’s intangible cultural heritage. Admission to the activities of the Carnival is free and all are welcome.

This year the Carnival features a rich variety of activities, including booth games, exhibitions, thematic talks, workshops and performances presented by cultural and artistic groups specialized in Macao’s intangible cultural heritage, namely Cantonese Opera, Drunken Dragon Dance, Cantonese Naamyam and Taoist ritual music, among others. Meanwhile, a number of booth games under the theme of the city’s intangible cultural heritage will be offered during the Carnival. Through a variety of games which are suitable for families, such as “Transporting balls with sticks”, basketball shooting and colouring, the event aims to introduce the public the intangible cultural heritage in a lively atmosphere. A stamp-collecting activity will also be available at the Carnival for game participants to redeem souvenirs with a specified number of game stamps collected after playing games. The souvenirs will be available on a first-come-first-served basis while stock lasts.

In addition, lectures and workshops will also be arranged during the Carnival, including lecture on the “Overview of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Macao” by the Associate Professor of the Centre of Sino-Western Cultural Studies, Lam Fat Iam, lecture on the “Belief and Customs of Na Tcha” by the representative heirs of representative items of intangible cultural heritage at the national level, Chiang Kun Kuong and Ip Tat, as well as workshop on the Craft of Bamboo Scaffolding. Interested parties can register online through the “Activity Registration System” on IC’s website at www.icm.gov.mo/eform/event from 28 May onwards. Seats are limited and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful applicants will be notified by SMS.

Through various activities and demonstrations, IC aims to enable the public to get close and experience the charm of intangible cultural heritage, facilitate exchanges and interactions, and promote the precious intangible cultural heritage of Macao. Admission to the activities of the Carnival is free and all are welcome to participate. For more information, please visit the China Cultural and Natural Heritage Day website at www.icm.gov.mo/CHD/2018 or contact IC through tel. no. 2836 6320 during office hours.

Schedule of the performances, lectures and workshops in the Carnival: