Angola Out of China-Lusophone Cultural Week Over Ebola Rules
The 18th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries will mark a historic expansion into inland China this month, but the festivities will be missing a key voice. Organizers confirmed today that Angolan artists have been excluded from the event due to strict health protocols surrounding the Ebola epidemic in neighboring regions.
Health Restrictions Sidelan Angola
Despite having no confirmed cases of Ebola within its borders, Angola was included in a group of 10 African nations subject to a mandatory 21-day surveillance period by Macau health authorities. This restriction stems from Angola’s proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where an outbreak declared on May 15 has escalated into a major epidemic with over 1,000 confirmed cases and 254 deaths.
As a result, the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao Forum) announced that the Angolan group Banda Duia will no longer participate in the festivities. Danilo Henriques, Deputy Secretary-General of the Macao Forum, indicated that the decision was a direct result of compliance with current health mandates. However, officials emphasized that they remain in active dialogue with Angolan authorities for future collaborations.
A “Friendship Without Borders” Moves Inland
Scheduled from June 27 to July 10, this year’s Cultural Week will be held under the theme “Sino-Lusophone Cultural Encounters, Friendship Without Borders.” For the first time, the event will expand beyond the usual hubs of Macau and Beijing to include the western province of Qinghai.
Ji Xianzheng, Secretary-General of the Macao Forum, highlighted the importance of bringing the Lusophone world to Xining, the provincial capital of Qinghai. Unlike China’s coastal regions, the inland province has had limited exposure to the cultures of Portuguese-speaking nations. “We aim to introduce Lusophone artists to new audiences and bring business representatives into the heart of China,” Ji stated.
A Diverse Program of Art and Gastronomy
The 18th edition promises a rich tapestry of cultural exchange, including:
- The Gastronomic Showcase: Featuring renowned chefs such as Carlota da C. Freitas, Marina de Senna Fernandes, and Luís Américo.
- Artistic Performances: Musicians and groups including Maurício Tizumba (Brazil), Elly Paris (Cape Verde), PATCHE-DI-RIMA (Guinea-Bissau), and Banda Vungo Tála (São Tomé and Príncipe).
- Exhibitions: A handicraft showcase featuring 158 pieces from nine countries, alongside a Short Video Competition for youth.
In the capital, events will be hosted at Shell Plaza in Beijing’s Chaoyang Park. Organizers hope the multi-city approach—supported by mainland Chinese media—will boost the event’s profile and foster new economic and cultural ties between China and the Lusophone world.
Image: Pexels – Man Fong Wong
