Gov’t unveils April cultural calendar, blending laughter, sports, heritage and books

Authorities unveiled a monthlong cultural push yesterday, merging sports and heritage through dragon boat races and martial arts demonstrations at World Heritage sites. A reading campaign will follow later in the month.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) and Sports Bureau (ID) will co-organize the inaugural Cultural and Sports Carnival, which runs from April 11 to 12. It coincides with the finale of the third Macau International Comedy Festival.

According to organizers, the hub for the event – which merges culture and sports – will be at Nam Van Lake’s Nautical Centre, with activities also extending to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Lou Kau’s House, Praceta de Venceslau de Morais, the Ilha Verde neighborhood, and Seac Pai Van’s Lok Kuan Building.

Organizers said the planned mix of activities is designed to draw families and tourists alike.

Acting president Lei Si Leng announced the details, saying daily highlights include dragon boat races, Cantonese opera, Portuguese folk dance, Wing Chun martial arts, rock climbing and pickleball demonstrations.

“In addition to participating in dragon boat racing and experiencing traditional Chinese water sports firsthand, citizens will also have opportunities to try out pickleball and karate. There will also be a series of performances, including a lion dance performance that blends trendy street dance with breakdancing. We hope that by combining traditional and emerging sports, citizens can experience the diversity of sports activities,” Lei said.

Moving forward, organizers said they plan to introduce similar monthly cultural and sports activities.

Reading Week in the ‘City of Reading’

Starting this year, China has designated the fourth week of April as National Reading Week. Under new regulations, a “nationwide reading” campaign is being promoted. Macau aligns with the initiative from April 20 to 26, in line with China’s Regulations on National Reading and ahead of World Book Day on April 23.

The IC is co-organizing the activity with the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) and civic groups.

“10 Minutes of Reading” sessions will launch on April 23, while book exchanges, magazine sales, family activities, games and performances will follow from April 25 to 26 at the Macao Cultural Centre.