The one-day “MMAS Lantern Festival” was held at the 10 Fantasia gallery on Calçada da Igreja de S. Lázaro (瘋堂斜巷) yesterday afternoon, bringing together performances, creative brands and festive workshops to celebrate traditional culture.
MMAS stands for Macau Music Art Space.
Organised by local violinist and Macau Cultural Ambassador Cheong Wai Leong, the festival is part of a series of festive events MMAS has held since 2021, alongside a Christmas celebration each year. Speaking to the Post on the sidelines of the event, Cheong said the aim was to promote festive culture, particularly Chinese festivals, while creating more performance platforms for youngsters in Macau. “We hope to promote different festivals through festive culture, especially Chinese festivals,” Cheong said, adding that the event also seeks to provide exhibition and performance opportunities for local youngsters, whether they are learning or working in music.
Performers ranged widely in age, from children as young as nine to adults, aiming to reflect the organiser’s intention to foster inclusivity.
The event featured three main components: live performances, booths showcasing local cultural and creative brands, and interactive elements including on-site sketch-drawing by artists and festive-themed workshops for participants.
The music programme included performances by young singers and youth groups from the Macao Educational Centre of Culture and Arts and the Blue Wind Song Yun Guzheng Association, presenting traditional Chinese instrumental pieces.
Cheong said that the initiative also aims to collaborate with local businesses and cultural groups, while echoing the government’s push to promote cultural tourism.
Among the performers was Victor Tang Wai Hong. Tang told the Post he hopes that such events can help promote traditional culture while giving young performers more exposure. “In fact, Macau has a lot of talents,” Tang said. “But maybe we need more promotion, more small stages, so residents and tourists can participate more”.
He suggested that scenic spots and underutilised spaces in Macau could be revitalised as small performance venues for young singers and artistes. “A lot of things start from small projects,” he said, adding that nurturing interest from a young age could lead to further artistic development.
Tang also noted that although Macau has a small population compared to neighbouring cities, there is no shortage of talent among local youth. What is needed, he said, are more platforms and opportunities to showcase their work.
Cheong Wai Tong speaks to the media prior to the opening ceremony of the “MMAS Lantern Festival” cultural event held at the 10 Fantasia gallery on Calçada da Igreja de S. Lázaro (瘋堂斜巷) yesterday afternoon. – Photo: Ida Cheong
