Festival promotes region’s maritime history

A junk boat is currently moored at the Sai Van Lake

The first Macau Ocean Culture Festival, which will be running until September, will feature 11 events including short tours at the Sai Van Lake highlighting the brand-new junk boat built by experts from the Lai Chi Vun shpyards.

Organized by the Harbor Culture and History Association, the two-month festival is aimed at promoting Macau’s rich culture in maritime cultural arts to local residents.

The festival, which was inaugurated on Saturday, will also feature performances, workshops and themed talks, guided tours and fashion exhibitions based on the region’s maritime history and culture.

Some of the events will take place on school campuses, to promote maritime ecology and the city’s surrounding waters to students, as cited in a report issued by TDM.

Chan Iat Fong, president of the Harbor Culture and History Association told the press that there is a need to cultivate the culture of the maritime industry, following the 85 square kilometers of waters given to Macau.

Although the government is supporting the association’s maritime preservation endeavors, Chan, who comes from a seafaring family, cited in his belief that extra innovative measures are still needed.

The association leader added that the association is also working on the promotion of the history of maritime in the region.

“Our group has organized different events before, but it’s the first time we are displaying a junk boat through a maritime event. Actually we are striving to present the significant elements in local maritime history to the people, this is our aim,” Chan said.

Lai Chi Vun shipbuilders assisted in supervising the building of a Canton Three Master junk boat that is currently moored at the Sai Van Lake, where it will be available for short tours.

The association leader also remarked that junk boats, which played a vital role in Macau’s history, are not a source of water pollution but rather, attractive results of craftsmanship from centuries ago.

“Unlike mechanical boats, which are against the philosophy of recycling, and powered by fuel, junk boats run on natural and clean energy like wind and man power,” said Chan.