“Barra Mart 2” began on Saturday, and will be held every weekend through September 21. Featuring 29 diverse stalls offering daily necessities, fresh produce, other kinds of food, pet supplies and cultural creative products, the market curator promised a lifestyle-orientated atmosphere with a vibrant local vibe, intentionally avoiding excessive commercialisation.
“Barra” is Portuguese for harbour entrance. “Barra Mart 2” is located at the southern tip of the Macau Peninsula.
Located at Barra Kitchen, which is just a few steps away from A-Ma Temple, William Koi (瞿偉剛), the curator of the market, said that it not only features a range of different stalls but also includes a family entertainment zone. The market has invited musicians from Macau, Hong Kong, and Brazil to perform there, supporting the development of local cultural and creative businesses.
Koi told journalists at the market on Saturday that they have launched a board game themed around Matsu (a tutelary deity of Chinese seafarers, including fisherfolks and sailors) culture and marine conservation to promote environmental awareness and cultural heritage, enhancing the market’s educational significance.
Meanwhile, according to a statement by the organisers, in order to align with the unique environment of the Barra Dog Park, the market has also launched pet-themed events for yesterday, this Sunday, and September 21, such as “Furry Catwalk,” where pets can strut their stuff on the runway to “showcase their cutest charm”, and the “Obstacle Dash,” creating a fun and interactive sports field complete with “funny moments” for pets and their owners.
A stall owner surnamed Chan told reporters that his local brand, “Akiyu Soap,” produces handmade soaps using natural ingredients, including self-cultivated pomelo leaves grown for over 20 years and mud collected from the Dead Sea. He emphasised its purely natural characteristics.
Chan also said that his participation in the market aims to promote the brand. As most customers are visitors from Hong Kong, the proportion of local residents remains relatively low, said Chan, who suggested enhanced efforts to attract more local visitors. Chan said he believes that the government’s consumption promotion programme could help boost business. He also said he hopes that the market will expand in scale to increase brand exposure.
The market is open at weekends from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Booths run by local brands showcase their products at “Barra Mart 2” at Barra Kitchen on Saturday. – Photos: Armindo Neves
Akiyu Soap owner, surnamed Chan, poses with his cat “媽閣” ( A-Má) at his booth on Saturday.
