A press conference detailing the activities included in the 10th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries was held on September 26 at the headquarters of the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao. Deputy Secretaries-General of the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao Mr Rodrigo Brum and Ms Glória Batalha Ung took part in the press conference.
The 10th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries will start on October 9. About 130 invited artists from the nine Portuguese-speaking Countries and Territories (Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Timor-Leste, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Goa, Daman and Diu), as well as China – via the Congjiang District Folk Group from Guizhou Province – and representatives from Macao, are taking part in the event, a cultural showcase of China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries.
The 10th Cultural Week includes the “Theater Showing of the Portuguese-speaking Countries and Regions”, taking place at the Old Court Building. Nearby, Senado Square, in downtown Macao, welcomes music and dance shows by artists from China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. In addition, a number of art and photography exhibitions by artists from Macao and the Portuguese-speaking Countries are being hosted in several locations around the city, including: the Gallery at the Residence of the Consulate-General of Portugal in Macao; the Taipa Houses; and the Military Club.
The Cultural Week features, for the first time, a large-scale initiative called “Sino-Lusophone Cultural Meeting at Fisherman’s Wharf”, taking place from October 13 to 18. It includes several activities featuring artists from China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. The activities include: music and dance performances, a handicraft fair, product exhibitions, and workshops.
The Sino-Lusophone Cultural Meeting at Fisherman’s Wharf also features exhibits about Forum Macao’s main achievements and events over the past 15 years, and also information on the traditions and customs of the Portuguese-speaking Countries. One of the highlights is the exhibition “Meeting Points, Intangible Bridges”, a China-Portuguese-speaking Countries artistic photography collective exhibition.
The initiative will also see chefs from Portuguese-speaking Countries and Regions taking the helm at four restaurants at Macao Fisherman’s Wharf, to prepare delicacies typical of their respective home places.
Via a range of activities, the Cultural Week will allow participants to experience aspects of Chinese regional culture and the culture of each of the Portuguese-speaking Countries.
From its launch 10 years ago, the Cultural Week has helped promote the development and prosperity of China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries, enhancing understanding and cultural exchanges between all parties while widening Macao’s role as a cooperation platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. In its latest editions, the Cultural Week has promoted the theme of the “Cultural Belt and Road” as part of its support for the country’s “Belt and Road” initiative.
The 10th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries is organised by Forum Macao. Co-organisers include: the Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau; the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; the Macao Government Tourism Office; the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau; and the Institute for Tourism Studies. The event is supported by: the Portuguese Oriental Institute (IPOR); Associação Angola Macau; Associação Casa do Brasil em Macau; Macao-Cape Verde Friendship Association; Núcleo de Animação Cultural de Goa, Damão e Diu; Association of the Guineans, Natural and Friends of the Guinea-Bissau; Friends of Mozambique Association; Associação dos Macaenses; Casa de Portugal em Macau; Association of Saotomeans and Friends of Sao Tome and Principe, Macau-China; Association Friendship Macau-Timor; Macao Digital Photography Association and Macau Fisherman’s Wharf.
