The Associação dos Macaenses (ADM) will hold its second “chá gordo” (“fat tea”) exhibition themed “The Wedding” on Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the association said in a statement yesterday.
The association is referred to as Macanese Association in English.
The statement noted that chá gordo is a centuries-old Macanese tradition that mainly take place in the homes of Macanese families. The celebration is usually held on Catholic holidays such as Easter, Christmas and commemorative dates including weddings, birthdays and christenings, the statement pointed out. It has gained popularity as it’s a buffet style meal where “people move around in a relaxed atmosphere”
The event, according to the statement, “aims to take participants back to the nostalgic times of the 1950s and 1960s, when wedding parties were celebrated with the traditional ‘chá gordo’”. Participants will be invited to taste over 30 traditional dishes such as those typically made for wedding parties.
The statement pointed out that the tradition is among the Macanese culture’s most appreciated customs which, however, has become increasingly rare, the statement lamented. It is typically organised for events such as the upcoming one “to remember the old days”.
Chefs such as Marina de Senna Fernandes, Armando Sales Richie, Florita Alves, Gito de Jesus (the son of Macau’s late doyenne of Macanese cuisine, Dona Aida), will prepare a menu featuring traditional dishes such as “arroz gordo” (“fat rice”) and chau-chau lacassá, among others, the statement underlined.
The main room of Associação dos Macaenses in Rua do Campo will be transformed through decorations and music into “one of the ballrooms of the old Macanese houses, to celebrate a wedding where only the bride and groom are fictitious”, the statement noted. Souvenirs will be given to those coming “dressed in their finest attire”.
The statement said that fundamentally chá gordo is “the art of hospitality” but underlined the importance of attire. “Traditionally, guests appear dressed in their best suits to grab a snack from a rich and vast table, [which is] also decorated stunningly”, the statement said.
For more information, contact 6233 3120 or 6638 6573.
