The 2026 Lusophone Cultural Festival will be held at the Hengqin Culture & Art Complex from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily, October 16 to 18. The event is jointly organized by the Livelihood Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government.

The festival features a Lusophone food zone, where renowned Macanese chef Neta will prepare specialties including Turmeric Pork Chop Buns and Portuguese Sausage Buns. Two cooking demonstrations will be held daily, with 30 free tastings per session. Portuguese-style barbecue and drinks are available at food stalls.

For the first time, the festival introduces a Portuguese-speaking Countries and Regions Exhibition, bringing together vendors and cultural representatives from the local Macanese community and nine Portuguese-speaking countries. Hands-on workshops offer Portuguese tile painting, paper fan making, crochet, and sand art.

The creative market will display Portuguese-style ceramics, handcrafted sardine-themed artwork, and other Lusophone cultural products. Visitors can also try traditional Portuguese games, including the “Big Feet” race, table football, and mini soccer obstacle courses. Those who complete the challenges will receive commemorative gifts. The event will also recreate the folk custom of Porto’s Festa de São João, during which people greet one another with a gentle tap on the head using plastic hammers.

Twenty performances will take the stage, featuring Brazilian dance and Fado, alongside performances by students from schools across Hengqin and Macao. A Macau Grand Prix booth will be set up at the venue, and the event will be held in collaboration with the 2026 Hengqin Pickleball Championship. Participating athletes can claim discount vouchers by presenting their player credentials.