How often do you hear that Macau is a hub for different cultures? Well, this coming weekend you can be the one experiencing what that actually means. One more year before it reaches two decades of celebration, the 19th Festival da Lusofonia takes place yet again for three days of Portuguese and Lusophone culture, food and music.
Starting this Friday and running until Sunday, this event – already an important annual date on the Macau official calendar – will take you on a journey through more than nine different regions.
It all started in 1998, when Macau decided to have the festival as part of the celebration of June 10 – the day that commemorates the Portuguese poet Luís de Camões and the Portuguese communities around the world. Much like Camões did, many Portuguese-speaking families see Macau as home. Because of the contribution made by these communities in the development of the former Portuguese territory, the Macau Government decided to bring the Festival da Lusofonia back every year to pay homage for those who came from these communities: Angola, Cape Verde, Brazil, Guinea-Bissau, Goa, Damão and Diu (India), Mozambique, S. Tomé and Principe, East Timor and, of course, Portugal.
Although sharing the same language, the culture and customs of the Portuguese-speaking countries are vastly diverse. So, this weekend you can dance to the sounds of the legendary Os Tubarões from Cape Verde, chill to the Soul of HMB from Portugal and get to know Macau’s very own dance groups and bands, right after having a delicious meal on the outdoor specially-built Lusofonia Restaurant at Largo do Carmo.
Make sure you try the famous Caipirinha cocktail from Casa do Brasil, the potent Catemba from Mozambique and all the amazing snacks Casa de Portugal has to offer. And don’t worry, the event is family orientated with plenty of activities even for energetic children: from face painting to table football matches and other traditional games, the little ones will make a lot of new friends at this warm and welcoming festival.
Don’t miss the opportunity and live (and love) Macau’s unique cultural mix! Starting today at 7:00pm until midnight, the festival runs until Saturday and Sunday. Head to Largo do Carmo in Taipa, near Our Lady of Carmel Church and Taipa Houses-Museum, next to Taipa Village. It’s free admissions for everyone.
Taipa-Houses Museum Avenida De Carlos Da Maia, +853 2882 7103
