Lusofonia Festival returns to three-day format amid budget adjustments

The Lusofonia Festival will return to the Taipa Houses from October 23 to 25, reverting to its original three-day format after two consecutive editions were extended across two weekends.

According to reports from TDM, the change follows the absence of sponsorship from Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), which has supported the event since 2023. The withdrawal of sponsorship has resulted in budget constraints and a restructuring of this year’s programme.

The festival, organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), was previously expanded to two weekends in 2024 and 2025, featuring cultural exhibitions, food stalls, traditional games and performances by artists representing Portuguese-speaking countries and regions. Previous editions included performances by Portuguese singers Fernando Daniel in 2024 and Marisa Liz in 2025.

Speaking to TDM, Miguel de Senna Fernandes, president of the Macanese Association, confirmed that the 29th edition would return to a single-weekend format. He said that while the reduction was disappointing, maintaining the event remained the priority despite financial challenges.

Amélia António, president of Casa de Portugal in Macau, said the loss of sponsorship had required organizers to scale back the programme compared with previous editions. With a smaller budget and shorter event period, the number of invited overseas performers would also be reduced, with this year’s programme focusing mainly on local talent.

“The highlight will be local talent,” António said, adding that there may still be some participation from overseas artists, although on a smaller scale.

The adjustments have drawn mixed reactions from participating associations. António said many groups expressed disappointment, as they had come to recognize the benefits of the expanded two-weekend format. However, Senna Fernandes noted that some associations considered the shorter format easier to manage given current financial and staffing challenges.

First launched in June 1998, the Lusofonia Festival was established to celebrate the Portuguese-speaking communities in Macau. Over the years, it has developed into a platform for cultural exchange, promoting the traditions of Portuguese-speaking communities while strengthening cultural connections between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and regions. TR