China-Portuguese cultural week expands to Beijing and Zhongshan

Marking its 17th edition, the annual Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking countries will take place from September 26 to November 18 across multiple cities. For the first time, this year’s event will extend beyond Macau, with performances and activities also scheduled in Beijing and Zhongshan.

At a press conference yesterday at Macau’s Sino-Luso Complex, Ji Xianzheng, Secretary-General of the Forum Macao Secretariat, highlighted the event’s significance as a platform for cultural dialogue.

“Since its inception, the Permanent Secretariat has leveraged the Forum’s mechanism to strengthen Macau’s role as a China-Luso Platform, promoting deep and enriching cultural dialogue between China and Portuguese-speaking countries,” he said.

The opening ceremony of the Sino-Luso Cultural Exchange Week will take place at Macau Fishermen’s Wharf and is scheduled for next Friday.

These festivities will feature artists, artisans, and chefs from Portuguese-speaking countries including Angola, Brazil, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, and Timor-Leste.

According to organizers, visitors can expect dance and music performances, craft fairs, culinary demonstrations, and exhibitions throughout the festival.

Starting the opening weekend, chefs from Portuguese-speaking countries will collaborate with local restaurants at Fishermen’s Wharf to create menus blending authentic Lusophone and Macanese flavors.

Organizers say this gastronomic highlight, featuring culinary demonstrations and workshops, complements the festival’s broader goal of fostering mutual understanding through art and cuisine. These run from September 27-30.

A key literary highlight during this year’s Sino-Luso Cultural Exchange Week is the launch of the Angolan work Será Este Livro Um Romance? (“Could This Book Be a Novel?”), which has been translated into Chinese to promote literary exchange in both Macau and mainland China.

In the mainland, Zhongshan’s Xingzhong Street will host Sino-Luso dance and music shows from September 29 to October 12.

Meanwhile, the Beijing leg, held at Beitou Shopping Park Plaza from October 3-4, will also include dance and music performances and promotional activities featuring Lusophone talent.

Organizers state the budget for Macau’s segment remains steady at approximately RMB11.5 million, with RMB 6.4 million allocated for the two mainland events.