MGTO’s food carnival sees 14% budget boost and ZAPE zones

The “2026 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” opens March 20 with a 14% budget increase and expanded highlights, MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes announced at a press conference yesterday.

“Continuing the successful experience of the past two years, this year’s carnival will increase the scale and add highlights to the event, showcasing the unique charm and vitality of Macau’s ‘Food Capital’ to the world,” Fernandes stated. “The content of the event is further diversified, adding two highlights to the original three and presenting a total of five highlights.”

The 10-day event runs through March 29 and draws nearly 40 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy from six continents – including a record eight new 2025 designations and 10 from other creative fields – surpassing past editions.

This year’s budget is set at MOP31.8 million, and organizers are targeting a 10% attendance jump from last year’s 100,000 visitors.

This year, the carnival’s main venue remains Fisherman’s Wharf in the Zona de Aterros do Porto Exterior (ZAPE) district, and new community spots will be featured along Rua de Cantao and Rua de Xangai to boost visibility and local economies.

At Fisherman’s Wharf’s Legend Boulevard, the International Gastronomy Promenade features 100 stalls – 28 from mainland cities like Chengdu and Shunde, 32 from overseas, and 40 local stalls – compared with 105 booths representing 15 creative cities last year.

The City of Gastronomy Showcase brings chefs from 25 cities for 53 sessions, spotlighting two young Macau chefs and one from South Africa in the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s global 10-spot Young Chefs Program.

The World Wines Lounge at Fisherman’s Wharf and the Global Goodies Market are featured as new venues.

The wine lounge will showcase wines, beers, whiskies, and spirits from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Australia, and France. Meanwhile, the Global Goodies Market in the ZAPE community venue will feature 40 booths of packaged foods, sauces, souvenirs, utensils, kitchenware, Macau Classic Brands, and coffee to “take home global flavors.”

The “2026 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao” centers on “Creativity Blending: New Reinterpretation of Gastronomy” with UNESCO and FAO representatives, rounding out the five highlights.

Comparatively, last year’s “spices and herbs” edition drew 100,000 visitors over nine days. Originally set for July 11-20, the carnival ended early on July 19 due to poor weather caused by Typhoon Wipha.