Culture of Macau

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A sign in both Chinese and Portuguese in Macau - "主教座堂辦公室" (in Chinese) and "Cartório da Sé" (in Portuguese), which means "Office of the Cathedral."

A distinct feature in Macau has been the fusion between the Portuguese and Chinese cultures. With most of the population being Chinese, one would expect the total assimilation of the Portuguese over the past four centuries (as seen in Portuguese Goa, India). However, this has not been the case at least until the past decade or so. Before 1974, Portugal had a permanent military stationed in Macau. Hence, there were always Portuguese men sent to Macau to complete their compulsory military service. Many decided to stay and settle down after their service was completed.

People and languages

Macau's population consists of mostly Han Chinese (95%) and Portuguese (2%), with a minority of other ethnicities. Although both Chinese (Cantonese) and Portuguese are the official languages of the region,^[1] most of the residents speak Cantonese. Currently there is only one school in Macau where Portuguese is the medium of instruction.

The Macanese language, generally known as Patuá, is a distinctive Creole that is still spoken by several dozen Macanese, an ethnic group of mixed Asian and Portuguese ancestry that accounts for a small percentage of Macau's population.

Signs in Macau are displayed in both Traditional Chinese and Portuguese. In contrast to mainland China, Macau, along with Hong Kong and Taiwan, generally does not use Simplified Chinese Characters.

Cultural Identity

Although Macanese culture is more Portuguese than Chinese, Portuguese culture almost got out of touch in Macau after their African provinces won independence and Indonesia claimed Portuguese Timor in 1975 and the main language is Cantonese and the main religion is Buddhism. There is no separate Portuguese culture in Macau since most of the culture came from there, then, Macanese culture now influences the Portuguese counterpart. Popularity of Chinese food and Chinese martial arts like kung fu and wu shu (which are studied by Portuguese because of self defense) worldwide made them popular in Portugal.

Mass Media

Main article: Communications in Macau

Most of pop music that can be heard on the channel TDM Teledifusao de Macau (澳廣視 Est. 1982) [1] is imported from Hong Kong or overseas (e.g. mainly Japan ). However, more and more local songs are being recorded by locals. Some Brazilian TV stations are also broadcast in Macau.

Cuisine

Main article: Macanese cuisine

Macanese cuisine is a blend of southern Chinese and Portuguese cuisines, with significant influences from Southeast Asia and the Lusophone world. The most famous snack is the Portuguese-style egg tart. It is widely popular in Southeast Asia, especially in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The most famous Macanese food is Galinha à Portuguesa which is served in numerous varieties in Macau restaurants.

Religion

Main article: Religion of Macau

The primary religion is Buddhism. Roman Catholicism has considerable influence in education and social welfare in Macau. However, they only count for about six percent of the population. Protestantism is spreading quickly, especially among the younger demographic groups.

Chinese Traditional Medicine

Main article: Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (i.e. medical practice) is not only a nonremovable part of culture in the sphere of medical education but also a very common and alternative choice of treatment in Macau for people of all social classes. With over 90 percent of its population as Chinese ancestry, Macau has a long history of using Chinese medicine, and Chinese traditional treatment has enjoyed a great popularity. The Faculty of Chinese Medicine [2] , Macau University of Science and Technology [3] was set up in the year of 2000.

A Pan-Pearl River Delta Forum and Exhibition for Chinese Medicine was held in Macau from June 21 to 23, 2005, which would hopefully raise Macau's ambition to act as an access for Chinese traditional medicine leading to the international market.

Arts

Film

Main article: List of films set in Macau

A few independent films were produced since late 1990s. Some of the well-known productions includes:

• 窗前熗後 by Vincent Hui (2000)
• Love Is Not A Sin (鍾意無罪) by Doug Chan (2003). Winner of Golden DV Award (27th HKIFF), Winner of The Best Original Screenplay Award (1st Downunder Internation Film Festival, Darwin).
• macau.xmas.2005 (澳門.聖誕.2005)[4] by Sio (2005). [5]

Music

Macau International Music Festival is conducted by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macau SAR Government every year.^[2] The 20th anniversary of the MIMF is celebrated with a touch of romanticism. Jazz, classical music, electronica, Chinese folk-pop, rock and Fado will fill Macau's autumn nights with magic. The eclectic programme of 28 performances promises to delight Macau audiences, accustomed to the festival's annual offering of different kinds of music from all over the world.^[3]

• List of musical performances in MIMF:
  • Jazz
  • Classical music
  • Electronica
  • Chinese folk-pop
  • rock
  • fado.

Other Lusophone music types popular there are samba, bossa nova, and kizomba. [6]

Classic

Macanese (i.e. with Portuguese descent) literature is a multi-dimensional art. Their literature appeared as early as in the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, a group of well-known writers have appeared:

• 李安樂的詩集《孤獨之路》- Anthology "Lonely Road", 《美麗的蛋家女》(TancareiraBela)，《沉思的蛋家女》(Tancareira Pensativa)及《蛋家女之歌》(CancāoDe Tancareira) - Leanel Alves.
• 若瑟(阿德)的詩集《澳門，受祝福的花園》- Anthology "Blessed garden, Macau" - Jose dos Santos Ferreira.
• 江道蓮的短篇小說集《長衫》- Short fiction : "The Gown" written by Deolinda de Conceição [7]
• 飛歷奇的長篇小說《愛情與小脚趾》和《大辫子的誘惑》- Long fiction: "Love and small toes" & "The Bewitching Braid" written by Henrique de Senna Fernandes [8].
• 馬若龍的詩集《一日中的四季》- Anthology "Four seasons in one day" - Carlos Marreiros [9]
• Other:
  • "Chinese Urheen - 《中國二胡》" Camilo Pessanha (庇山耶) 1867 - 1926
  • "Collection of Cathedral of Saint Paul -《三巴集》" WuLi (清代 • 吳曆) 1632 - 1718
  • Renowned playwright Tang Xianzu [10] (明代 • 湯顯祖 1550 - 1616). His works covered "XiangAo Meets Jia Hu" - 《香澳逢賈胡》、"Listens to Xiangshan - Translator" one, "Listens to Xiangshan - Translator" two - 《聼香山譯者 1, 2 》, 《香山驗香所採香口號》, "South Haijiang" -《南海江》 and so on. These works mainly reflected and depicted Macau's local scenery at that time (late Ming dynasty), the human sentiment and international trade.
  • "The Chart of Maritime Countries - 《海國圖志》" , "Listens to the Dulcimer & Song playing by a foreign lady in the Aomen Garden - 《澳门花园听夷女洋琴歌》" written by WeiYuan (清代 • 魏源 1794 - 1857), displayed his personal feeling and understanding of classical music.

Cantonese Opera

Main article: Cantonese opera

Cantonese Opera [11] is quite popular especially in the group of elderly. In 2003, the Cultural Institute of the Macau S.A.R Government, in collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong SAR organized the exhibition " Fong Yim Fun - The Life and Work of a Cantonese Opera Artiste" [12] . The part of her works (as a well-known actress and opera artiste in Canton, Hong Kong and Macau, Fong Yim Fun performed in more than 150 operas and films) was exhibited in the Museum of Macau [13] at that time.

Facilities

The Plaza of Cultural Centre

Macau Cultural Centre [14](i.e. Centro Cultural de Macau) established in 1999 for the purpose of offering unique venues for artistic events, international conferences and exhibitions, enhancing cultural exchange and helping to expand culture horizon amongst Macau residents. Hundred and thousand programs and events launch almost every single day, e.g. martial arts performance, Chinese traditional music, foreign music, varies types of dancing, etc.

Macau Ricci Institute is a recent foundation of the Jesuits in Macau. Its aim is to continue the process of friendly encounter between Chinese and Western cultures and traditions, which was begun by Matteo Ricci 1552-1610 many years ago. [15]

References

1. ^ Article 9, Macau Basic Law.
2. ^ "17th Macau International Music Festival". Instituto Cultural do Governo da R.A.E. de Macau. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. http://web.archive.org/web/20070927215344/http://www3.icm.gov.mo/gate/gb/www.icm.gov.mo/fimm/NewsDE.asp?id=5338. Retrieved 2007-06-01. 
3. ^ "20th MACAU INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL". Travelscopy.com. http://traveloscopy.com/CMS/content/view/731/2/. Retrieved 2007-06-01. 

See also

	Macau portal
	Culture portal