MACAO -- The 21st Lusofonia Festival will kick off next week in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), featuring the lusophone culture, the cultural affairs bureau of the SAR government said on Friday.

The three-day event, to be held from Oct 19 at the Taipa Houses, offers a diversified programme of activities, including music, dances and games, allowing residents and tourists to experience the Portuguese customs.

Performing groups from nine Portuguese-speaking countries and regions will perform various styles of music and dance. In addition, a temporary restaurant will serve Portuguese flavor and dishes.

The first Luaodonia Festival was held in 1998 on Portuguese National Day, which falls on June 10. Over the years it has become a cultural event, showcasing Macao's role as a platform of cultural exchange between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries.