The annual Tap Seac Craft Market organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) was held in Praça do Tap Seac over the past two consecutive weekends, from Friday to Sunday, on November 20-22 and November 27-29.
The square’s Chinese name is also transliterated as “Tap Siac” (“Tower Stone”) into Portuguese. Usually, the market is held annually in two segments, one in the spring and the other in the winter.
The market featured 110 booths operated by cultural and creative practitioners from the mainland and Macau who showcased a diverse range of creative products. Music performances and handicraft workshops took place concurrently during the two weekends.
According to a previous statement from the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the “Tap Seac Craft Market” was started in 2008 and has become a platform for cultural and creative practitioners to display and sell their products. However, this year’s spring market, which was slated to be held in April, was cancelled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the number of booths this time was reduced to 110 from about 220 last year.
The Macau Post Daily noticed a booth called Tangbaobao (糖包包 in Chinese) as it attracted lots of customers and spoke to its operator, Zeng Jie, from Guangzhou. Zeng’s booth had a wide range of products on which his drawings were printed, such as tote bags, handbags, socks, umbrellas, table runners, tissue and cushion covers, scarves, and carpets. He said that he liked drawing, dolls in particular. He said, “I have contacted manufacturers to turn my original designs into different products and I enjoy the process. I feel fulfilled by being able to do something that has made my dreams come true.”
Zeng also said he has been taking part the Tap Seac Craft Market event for eight years, pointing out that the booth is free of charge. He owns a shop in Guangzhou, and he is happy that more customers have got to know him through the event and they can place their orders online. However, he pointed out that his business at the market was better last year.
The Macau Post Daily also talked to Chan In Cheng, president of the Everyone Stray Dogs Macau Volunteer Group (ESDMVG). Chan said that the group has been working hard to raise funds through different activities such as participating in the craft market to sell products such as aprons (for adults and children), tissues, dolls, ornaments, and souvenirs. Chan said, “We have moved to a bigger place recently to accommodate more than 90 dogs. We had about 50 dogs when we were interviewed by The Macau Post Daily in May. The number of dogs that are being abandoned is much larger than the number of dogs that are being adopted.”
Chan also said that she has been giving talks in local schools to educate young people about nurturing and caring for dogs, adding that it’s important for the pupils to understand what it means to keep a pet before buying or adopting one.
Tangbaobao (糖包包) owner Zeng Jie poses at his booth.
Customers select products at Zeng’s booth.
Chan In Cheng, president of the Everyone Stray Dogs Macau Volunteer Group (ESDMVG), poses with her favourite dog “Coffee Girl” at her booth.
The ESDMVG booth attracts dog lovers. Photos: Camy Tam
A customer selects her favourite piece of costume jewellery.
A booth sells handmade dog clothing while volunteers are knitting the apparel.
