Chinatown Food & Cultural Festival: At the Crossroads of Chinese Culture, Arts, and Cuisine

The Chinatown district in Port-Louis is set to come alive with Chinese culture and gastronomy this Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26, starting at 3 PM. The 18th edition of the Chinatown Food & Cultural Festival will take place, expecting over 80,000 visitors across the two days and more than 300 artists to animate the streets of the capital.

Organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, under the auspices of the Ministry of Arts and Culture, the Chinese Embassy, the Chinese Cultural Center (CCC), and the Port-Louis Municipality, this event has become an essential part of the Mauritian cultural calendar over the years.

Among the new features this year is the Lion Dance Academy, made possible with the support of Mauritius Telecom. Another innovation is an interactive QR code that will allow visitors to access the site map and the full program of activities in real-time via their phones.

The ABC Group has renewed its partnership for the twelfth consecutive year. During a press conference held on Thursday, October 23, Professor Donald Ah-Chuen, director of the group, emphasized that "the Chinatown Food & Cultural Festival embodies the values of Sir Jean Étienne Moilin Ah-Chuen – respect for traditions and cultural sharing. It is an honor for us to carry on this legacy and invite all Mauritians to participate in this grand national celebration."

Cowan Ip Win Man, president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, reminded that the festival aims to revitalize the historic Chinatown district while showcasing the richness of Chinese culture to all Mauritians.

For Cowan Ip Win Man, the Chinatown Food & Cultural Festival is primarily a symbol of unity and sharing. "Beyond the performances and flavors, it is a celebration of cultural diversity and the living heritage of Mauritius," he stated.

Video and text: Waren Marie