Sands China recently released a new bilingual publication, “In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens,” highlighting the fascinating past of the historic Macao street and the beauty of its legacy through the community’s collaborative efforts.
Sands China’s latest publication, In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens, offers an in-depth look at the storied past of one of Macau’s most historic streets through interviews, detailed writing, and creative layout and illustration compiled by a dedicated team of local professionals, documenting the transformation of Rua das Estalagens from centuries-old shops into a vibrant cultural landmark.
The initiative, led by Sands China, is a collaborative effort that has received patronage from the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, with support from the Cultural Affairs Bureau.
In partnership with the Macau Artist Society, the publication features contributions by author Siguo Chen, illustrator Shirley Lu, and various experts in design, photography, and printing.
This strategic effort provides both residents and visitors with valuable insights into the historical and cultural evolution of Macau, reinforcing its status as a key destination for Macau tourism and cultural exploration.
In addition to the publication, the company’s revitalisation projects extend to the local economy through the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens, launched in April last year.
One of the distinctive businesses selected by the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens, Catfee, is open, injecting energy into the area alongside other new businesses, while providing a platform for ambitious young entrepreneurs to realise their dreams.
One of the distinctive businesses selected by the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens, Olálá, is open, injecting energy into the area alongside other new businesses, while providing a platform for ambitious young entrepreneurs to realise their dreams.
One of the distinctive businesses selected by the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens, Panpan, is open, injecting energy into the area alongside other new businesses, while providing a platform for ambitious young entrepreneurs to realise their dreams.
One of the distinctive businesses selected by the Entrepreneurship Recruitment Programme for Rua das Estalagens, Café Fantart, is open, injecting energy into the area alongside other new businesses, while providing a platform for ambitious young entrepreneurs to realise their dreams.
This programme supports local businesses and stimulates economic growth by encouraging Macao residents with innovative entrepreneurial proposals to start businesses in the neighbourhood.
The gradual opening of seven distinctive businesses under this initiative demonstrates a successful blend of preserving historic legacy while embracing modern commercial opportunities.
Further efforts include the beautification of shopfronts along Rua das Estalagens. Sands China has been working closely with the Macau Artist Society to invite young local artists Lei Chek On and Sit Ka Kit to creatively paint the gates of the street’s historic shops, echoing the street’s rich history and contemporary vibrancy.
These visual enhancements are part of a broader strategy to educate the community about Macau’s cultural heritage, as the publication has been archived by public libraries and distributed to local schools.
This comprehensive project not only underscores the historical significance of Rua das Estalagens but also illustrates a model of cultural preservation and urban revitalisation that benefits the entire community.
The digital version of In Search of Its Roots – An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens is available for viewing and download, ensuring that the stories of Macau’s historic neighbourhood continue to inspire both current and future generations.
