Now in its fifth edition, the festival embraces the theme of Artificial Intelligence in Education, underscoring the role of technology alongside traditional learning.
The event enjoys longstanding support from Galaxy Entertainment Group, Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language, I.P., and Fundação Oriente, as well as key contributions from partners including the Portuguese Bookstore and Portuguese School of Macau.
The inauguration at IPOR’s Café Oriente featured the official opening of the “Robot & I” exhibition. Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Consul General of Portugal, Mr. Alexandre Leitão, and senior representatives from Galaxy Entertainment Group, IPOR, and other esteemed institutions.
Notably, representatives from the Macao SAR Government—such as members of the Macau Tourism Board and the Municipal Affairs Bureau—were present to mark the occasion.
During the festival, students from two universities and five schools in the Macao SAR presented works in the “Robot & I” exhibition, accompanied by digital art by renowned artist José Nyögéri.
Concurrently, the “Mercado das Letrinhas” children’s book fair was inaugurated, offering publications in Portuguese, Chinese, and English. Local publishers and bookstores, including Júbilo and SOMOS!, collaborated to develop a catalogue tailored to young readers, with the fair running through May 6th.
Following the opening events, pediatrician and author Joana Morgado Bento introduced her book, Seeds of Love, in a session led by Catarina Mesquita.
This presentation was succeeded by the “Real or Artificial” workshop, where over 33 families explored the intersection of literature and technology through creative challenges inspired by the philosophical query, “Is everything as we really see it?”
The festival’s first day concluded with “A Night at the… Library,” where children aged 8 to 11 participated in engaging art workshops, interactive games, and dramatized storytelling sessions, culminating in an overnight experience at the Camilo Pessanha Library within IPOR.
On Saturday, April 5th, the program featured a performance by Macau’s Comuna de Pedra theater company. Their non-verbal show, which cleverly repurposed everyday objects, emphasized imagination and experiential learning.
The day also saw the launch of the bilingual illustrated book Era Uma Vez… A Minha Língua, unveiled through a creative shadows’ show presentation, and the “Ordinarily…” workshop, which invited 22 participants to find creative inspiration in everyday life.
The third and final day, Sunday, April 6th, was highlighted by the concert “Little Things” by Portuguese singer-songwriter Luísa Sobral.
Performed in a fully occupied auditorium at the Teatro D. Pedro V, the event featured a special guest appearance by young Macau artist Mina Pang from Cotton Kids, enriching the festive atmosphere with memorable musical interludes.
