USJ proudly hosted its 2025 International Cultural Carnival
USJ proudly hosted its 2025 International Cultural Carnival
04
Mar
04/03/2025
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) proudly presented its International Cultural Carnival on the 1st of March 2025, at the USJ Ilha Verde Campus.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) proudly presented its International Cultural Carnival on the 1st of March 2025, at the USJ Ilha Verde Campus. The vibrant event brought together students, faculty, and alumni from over 50 nationalities, with 30 different booths offering a variety of activities, including faculty information, traditional food tastings, and games. The carnival aimed to celebrate USJ’s rich multiculturalism while promoting cross-cultural interaction and exchange, it also served as an open day for the general public to explore the campus facilities and to learn about the various academic programmes offered at USJ.
The opening ceremony was held at 12:00 PM at the USJ Ilha Verde Campus. Guests in attendance included Mr. Chu Zhiwen from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government, Mr. Carlos Roberto Xavier, Head of the Department of Higher Education of the Education and Youth Development Bureau, Ms. Tang Mei Lin, Acting Head of the Public Library Management Department of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Mr. Lei Wai Nong, Member of the Macao Foundation, Mr. Sio Hon Pan, Curator of the Macao Science Centre, Mr. Cheong Kim Fong, Head of Section of Youth Concern Group, Macao Judiciary Police, Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang, Chancellor of USJ, Professor Stephen Morgan, Rector of USJ, as well as representatives from the university, and various sectors of the community.
During his opening remarks, Rector of USJ, Professor Stephen Morgan, highlighted USJ as a place of international and intercultural experience, stating “What I hope you will see is the magic that makes this university a very special place, a genuine centre of cultural engagement and exchange, here in the heart of Macao, here in China. And I want you who are visitors to know that, although we don’t have a carnival every day, we very much do have a rich and joyful exchange of cultures in almost everything we do, in almost every conversation, every task. It is why our graduates have something very special about them, something certainly unique here in Macao.”
The highlight of the carnival was the grand parade, where USJ students and faculty from around the world carried flags representing their countries, officially kicking off the carnival.
This year’s international booths included China, Macao SAR, Portugal, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Myanmar, Cambodia, British Virgin Islands, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and South Korea. Each offered samples of their own traditional cuisine, games and interactive activities.
The event also featured an exciting lineup of performances. Martial arts demonstrations were presented by the “Meng Concept Wing Chun Cultural Association” and the “Escola Sha Li Tau Fang Martial Arts Group”. Dance performances included contributions from the USJ Dance Club, the USJ Myanmar community members, and “Associação de Danças e Cantares Portuguesa – Macau no Coração”. While musical acts featured USJ Music Club, USJ’s USJ Vietnam and Nepal community members, “Associação de Guzheng Lam Fong Chong Wan”, “Our Lady of Fatima Girls’ School” band; and a traditional Chinese opera performance by “The Chinese Traditional Culture (Macau) Exchange and Development Association”.
In addition to performances, the carnival also offered workshops including an eco-friendly planting workshop titled “Bottle to Blooms: Grow a Greener Future” organised by the USJ Library, a samba dance workshop with dance instructor Zuleika Greganyck.
Local businesses run by USJ alumni also participated in the Carnival showcasing their offerings. These included “Bunny Bakery”, “Daily Meals”, “Dream Corner”, “Cadenza”, and “Associação de Guzheng Lam Fong Chong Wan”.
This year’s main sponsor was the Macao Foundation, with additional sponsorship from the Alumni Association of USJ and Macau Coca-Cola Beverage Co., Ltd., and media support by Macau Cable TV, O Clarim and Centro Diocesano dos Meios de Comunicação Social.
