MACAO, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The "2026 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, Macao" commenced on Friday at the Macau Fisherman's Wharf, bringing together various tastes and gastronomic cultures from around the world.
Organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the fest brought together 38 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy and 10 creative cities in other fields, such as music and film.
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said in a speech that this year set a new record for participation and highlighted Macao's unique charm as an international exchange platform.
She noted in a mixed interview that this year, the food festival has been moved up to March, which helps avoid the uncertainty of the summer typhoon season and attracts visitor traffic during the off-peak tourism season. The event also integrates local, mainland, and international booths, encouraging interaction among participants, the director said.
Greg Ng, a visitor from Hong Kong, told Xinhua that he came across the activity while on a tour of the city. "Walking across this area near the coast is quite comfortable," he said, adding that the event, with such a diverse group of participants, can be attractive to visitors.
Jonathan Dominguez, executive chef of a local restaurant, shared his thoughts about the fest. "Macao has amazing food to offer, and food is an easy way to attract people to come," he said.
The event will run through March 29, lasting for 10 days. ■
