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Over the past three days, Macao was the flavour of suburban Chatswood as the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) presented a free – and very entertaining and colourful – outdoor festival for Sydney families.

And star of the event was Macao’s adorable tourism mascot, Mak Mak, an animated version of the Asian centre’s much-loved black-faced spoonbill bird who interacted with fans as they tucked into some tasty delicacies, Portuguese egg tarts included.

The festival was organised to celebrate Macao’s 20th anniversary as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and included face painting, magic tricks, a simulator for Grand Prix racing and many other games for the children.

The festival was also designed to promote Macao as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and its Earth-friendly Great Green Food Journey on sustainability.

A large outdoor screen was used to educate and inform everyone on the Story of Macao, with vision of the former Portuguese enclave’s east-meets-west history, heritage, food culture, events and festivals.

Helen Wong, general manager of the MGTO (Australia and New Zealand) said the festival proved a big success with not only families but couples in showcasing the many reasons to holiday in Macao.

“The reactions from many of the guests were those of amazement and intrigue,” she said.

“Some couldn’t believe the number of attractions and activities available in Macao. They do now.”