MACAO, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Macao's International Youth Dance Festival 2026 kicked off on Saturday with a parade at the landmark Ruins of St Paul's, bringing together more than 800 young dancers from 33 dance groups.
The parade made its way from the starting point to Senado Square, with dancers performing and interacting with residents and tourists along the route.
According to the organizer, the theme of this year's festival is "Dancing Youth, Rising Future." A series of activities such as flashmob performances, artistic workshops, and a photography contest has been scheduled.
Zhou Zhihao, a performer from southwest China's Sichuan Province, said it was his first visit to Macao and that he was pleased to present traditional dances of the Qiang ethnic group, one of China's ethnic minorities.
He added that the event offered a valuable platform to showcase the traditional culture to international audiences and exchange artistic experiences with performers from around the world.
Alexandros Tomaras, a participant from Athens, Greece, said performing alongside local youths offered a valuable opportunity to connect with people from different continents. Although lifestyles vary across the world, he said, dance brings people together.
Noting that it was his first visit to Asia, Tomaras called the exchange "a beautiful experience."
The event is organized by the education and youth development bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region government and will last till July 23. ■
