This is not just a festival. It is a kind of voyage across the Portuguese speaking-world, also known as ‘Lusofonia’. Starting today and until Sunday, it will be possible to eat, drink, listen to music and dance in Brazil, Angola, Portugal, Goa, Daman and Diu, Timor and so on, all in one place, located in the Taipa Village.

Co-organised every year by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, and the Macau Government Tourist Office, the Lusofonia Festival takes place near the Taipa Houses-Museum, more precisely in the so-called Carmo Zone. Ten booths set up by the Portuguese-speaking communities residing in Macau, including Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Goa, Daman and Diu, Guinea-Bissau, Macau, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé e Príncipe and East Timor will display their unique handicrafts, traditional snacks and drinks. And yet this year, the local communities won’t have many reasons to celebrate, as the event’s budget plunged.

The party is on from noon until midnight. Traditional music concerts and games will be held during all weekend. This year the highlights are the Portuguese pop music band Quinta do Bill, performing tomorrow at 10 pm, and reggae band ‘Mercado Negro’. This band originally from Angola but now based in Portugal performs on Sunday also at 10 pm.

The official opening is scheduled for tomorrow, at 5.30 pm, kicked off by the performances of the traditional local Chinese group of dragon and lion dance “Lo Leong”. Following up will be Macau’s Portuguese folklore dance and music group, the Brazilian group of dance and martial arts of master Eddy Murphy, closing with a performance by the “Mavanjú”, an African dance group.

Besides Quinta do Bill and Mercado Negro, a lot more events with music and dance is scheduled throughout the weekend.
Today, starting at 8 pm, a number of local bands will perform, including the one from local Portuguese School (EP). The Maranatha group will stage some drama and the Group of Goa, Daman and Diu will also play for audiences.

Tomorrow, the show will open at 7 pm with the D. José da Costa Nunes Kindergarden students’ performance. The programme includes Portuguese folklore and hip-hop dance, the percussion group “Beat-it” and even tap-dancing by the“On Tat” group.

Finally, on Sunday, the stage will be invaded by Brazilian samba dancers starting at 3 pm. You may also expect to see and listen to the Macau’s Elvis and the Macanese traditional music band Tuna Macaense.

With Thanks. Macau Daily Times

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