Review by Armindo Neves
Today is Chinese Valentine’s Day, and couples as well as lovers of traditional Chinese culture and historical costumes have the opportunity to participate in the “QiXi Festival Summer Experience in San Kio” event, held in San Kio Garden.
Qixi Festival (七夕节), according to DeepSeek, also known as the Double Seventh Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. It is often called Chinese Valentine’s Day because it celebrates the annual meeting of two star-crossed lovers, the cowherd and the weaver girl, represented by the stars Altair and Vega.
Fong Lai Fan, a senior member of the Macau General Union of Neighbourhood Associations’ (UGAMM – widely known as Kai Fong) San Kio District Residents Mutual Aid Association, told the Post that the local Qixi Festival has been held for over a decade since its inception in 2014.
Fong said that the event aims to attract residents and tourists of all ages to San Kio district through diverse experiences such as Hanfu showcases, Qipao performances, and traditional rituals, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of local culture, cuisine, and retail characteristics, Fong said.
“Hanfu” (汉服) is the specific name for the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese people. The Qipao (旗袍), also known as Cheongsam, is a classic and iconic Chinese dress, famous for its elegant, form-fitting silhouette and high neck
Carman, her nickname, founder of “C garden macau”, told the Post in her festival booth in San Kio that her brands focus on hand-painted green plants and African violets cultivated in Macau to promote community greening. For the Qixi Festival theme, Carman said, she has especially introduced pink-toned plants to align with the festive atmosphere and cater to women’s preferences. She said her products aim to alleviate stress through gardening and attract young people’s attention to greening efforts and community beautification.
The founder of “Tricky Garden” (扭計花園), nicknamed Yan, told the Post at her booth that by creating floral handicrafts from willow branches, she is aligning her handicrafts with the romantic theme of the Qixi Festival. Yan said she believes that the market’s long history and warm atmosphere highly resonate with the style of her work. Through her participation, she hopes to convey a sense of leisure and comfort to visitors.
The event, which began on August 9, continues today and through the weekend, ending on Sunday night.
A woman wearing a “Hanfu” walks through the "QiXi Festival Summer Experience in San Kio" market in San Kio Garden yestrerday.
This photo taken yesterday shows the “Tricky Garden” (扭計花園) booth in San Kio Garden. – Photos: Armindo Neves
The owner of the “C garden macau” brand gives the victory sign at her booth in San Kio Garden yesterday.
