Organised by Instituto Português do Oriente (IPOR) in partnership with the Consulate-General of Portugal in Macau and Hong Kong, and title-sponsored by Galaxy Entertainment Group, the Literary and Cultural Festival for Parents and Children “Alphabet & Friends” 2026 will take place from 5 to 24 May under the theme “My City”.
Now in its sixth edition, the festival promotes language, books and reading through a multidisciplinary programme aimed at both schools and the general public.
Established in 2021 with the support of Galaxy Entertainment Group, the festival engages children and young people while also involving families, educators and the wider community.
The 2026 edition features music, performing arts, workshops for parents and children, reading sessions, book launches and educational initiatives.
The theme “My City” explores the relationship between urban space and community, encouraging participants to reflect on their surroundings and sense of belonging.
Through cultural and educational activities, the programme aims to stimulate curiosity and critical thinking, highlighting how individuals can contribute to a more sustainable and participatory future.
The festival opens at the Portuguese School of Macao with the hand-over of mini-libraries to educational institutions where Portuguese is taught.
The programme also includes the bilingual Portuguese-Chinese launch of De Londres ao Porto numa gaivota by Inês Cardoso, alongside a public talk and a teacher training session on disinformation.
Local literature is represented by Macanese author Coco Cheong, who will present Our Precious Moments, followed by a children’s workshop combining storytelling and creative activities.
The Portuguese edition of Afonso Cruz’s Assim, mas sem ser assim: Considerações de um Misantropo will also be introduced, accompanied by a creative writing workshop.
In the visual arts programme, illustrator André Letria presents the “My City” project, featuring illustrated maps created by students in Macao. The works will be exhibited at IPOR, alongside workshops and discussions on illustration and visual literacy.
The festival also includes a cinema programme with animated short films from Lisbon’s Monstra Animation Festival, workshops for families, evening storytelling sessions, and theatre performances such as A Revolta dos Lusecos, The Secret Magic Recipe: Enemy Pie, and the closing show (En)Cantar com Alice e Sebastião.
Admission to all activities is free, although some require prior registration. The initiative is supported by multiple cultural and educational partners, reinforcing its role as a platform for community engagement and cultural exchange.
