Long ago were the times when we still enjoyed the beautiful landscape of Macau’s port and bay, with the presence of Chinese junks and lorchas. Today it is still possible to know these types of boats at the Macau Maritime Museum through the beautiful collections left inside the museum. The fishing life in Macau, besides being one of the identity marks of Macau, made a special contribution to economic development in terms of fishing and transportation.
Today the landscape has changed. The rushes and water lilies have disappeared for good. The idea of their return is not new and it’s not the first time this has been suggested, and perhaps they could return, to leverage economic diversification and tourism, as traditional tourist transport products, like a symbolic brand, just as the tricycle is.
In addition to Nam Van and Sai Van bays, Macau is very close to Hengqin, and with short distances between the peninsula and Taipa and Coloane, including the Lai Chi Vun area.
It is even possible to imagine the recreation of figures such as the tancareiros and fishermen in events dedicated to this theme; giving a new boost to the fishing sector of Macau, producing souvenirs of junks and lorchas and our salted fish, and then using all of this for international promotion, including cinema, social media, and television.
The Macau Maritime Museum, along with cultural associations, including those related to the fishing lifestyle, could contribute in this regard with the support of the Government.
The art of diversification is not just economic and it does not benefit from being distant from Macau’s cultural life and its unique intangible heritage. This example is merely another idea of diversification through Macau’s rich and varied cultural brand, which includes elements of Macanese and Portuguese cultures.
Macau deserves much more than the obvious excessive effort to recreate non-identity elements, such as setting up tents at occasional events, recently visible in ZAPE with a set of horses, and balloon-shaped lamps adorned with flowers and hearts.
Diversification is necessary, but there is also an appeal to strengthen some artistic and cultural standards, and to listen more to the civil society in the cultural sector, where the soul of Macau can reach new heights without losing its identity and unique characteristics.
