Kids celebrate Intl. Children's Day at Portuguese Cultural Event

Both local and expat children gathered in Shekou to celebrate International Children’s Day in advance through a Portuguese cultural event hosted by the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE) in collaboration with Savills Residence Daxin Shenzhen Bay.

Majó shows kids how to knead dough for Portuguese sausage bread during an interactive Chouriço bread-making session in Shekou on Saturday. Photos by Wei Jie 

Designed to enhance cultural exchanges and enrich children’s festival experiences, the event featured Portuguese artist Maria João Príncipe, widely known as Majó, who planned an engaging program that introduced kids to the charming traditions of Portugal.

Majó introduces iconic cultural symbols of Portugal to children during the event.

Majó began the event by sharing her creative journey and stories about Portuguese customs, instantly sparking the kids’ curiosity about the fascinating country.

The highlight of the activity was an interactive Chouriço bread-making session. Majó transformed into a patient baker, guiding children step-by-step to make pão com chouriço (Portuguese sausage bread). The kids enthusiastically kneaded dough, placed sausages, and shaped their bread.

Local and expat children color Portuguese cultural symbols during the event.

While the bread baked, Majó introduced Portuguese cultural symbols, showcasing beautiful ceramic azulejos (tiles) and recounting the legendary story of Galo de Barcelos, the iconic Portuguese rooster.

Children also learned basic Portuguese phrases through fun games and painted Portuguese symbols. The aroma of freshly baked bread soon filled the room, and seeing their handiwork brought proud smiles to the young bakers’ faces.

Isaias Praxedes de Luna, Majó's husband, assists a girl with making Portuguese sausage bread.

“This activity was meaningful,” said Siew Leh, an expat from Malaysia. “My child had fun and learned about a new culture here.”

Radha, an Indian girl attending the event, said, “I liked making bread the most, and I made a new friend today!”