Integrated resort operator Sands China has launched a bilingual (Chinese and English) booklet entitled “In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens”.
The company announced the launch in a statement on Wednesday.
The publication, produced in partnership with the Macau Artist Society, was authored by Siguo Chen and Illustrated by Shirley Lu. The statement said that the book, which also had other contributors for design, photographs and printing, is aimed at reintroducing the “ancient and contemporary aspects of Rua das Estalagens [草堆街] to Macau’s residents and visitors, preserving the invaluable deeds of its inhabitants”. The booklet has been sent to public libraries and local primary and secondary schools.
The statement added that that through conversations with associations, business entities and residents in the area, Chen has “encapsulated the characters and historical moments from the street’s past through oral history”.
Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai was quoted by the statement as saying: “It is our hope that both local residents and visitors will embrace the allure of Rua das Estalagens through our book, as it showcases the rich tapestry of the street’s history. We are delighted that this publication has been [stocked] by schools and public libraries in Macau, inspiring future generations with real-life stories and strengthening the community’s connection to Macau’s heritage”.
The street’s Portuguese name means “Street of Inns”. Its Chinese name means “Street of Haystacks”.
The statement said that a digital version can be viewed and downloaded on https://assets.sandsresortsmacao.cn/ebook/SCL/revitalization-of-rua-das-estalagens/index.html.
Meanwhile, Sands China’s other revitalisation efforts at Rua das Estalagens also include the “Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens”, which was launched in April last year, the statement said, adding that seven businesses chosen by the programme have been opening in phases. Another revitalisation project is the beautification of the shopfronts, noting that the company has been collaborating with the Macau Artist Society to invite young artists Lei Chek On and Sit Ka Kit to paint the street’s historic shops.
The statement quoted Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) President Deland Leong Wai Man as saying that apart from the launch of the recruitment programme, the bureau was glad to see Sands China’s partnership with the Macau Artist Society to beautify the street and publish the publication “in a thoughtful effort to broaden the discussion around its preservation and revitalisation to include its wider significance to society”.
This image provided by Sands China on Wednesday shows the front cover of “In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens”.
