Currently, there are in Macao about 200 pathways named either “pátio” or “beco”. Pátio da Eterna Felicidade is one of the largest and best preserved.

Pátio da Eterna Felicidade is bounded by traditional Chinese residential buildings of varying heights. But the fact the buildings are coherent in terms of style, shows the distinctive traditional characteristics of pátios.

Pátio da Eterna Felicidade is bounded by traditional Chinese residential buildings of varying heights. But the fact the buildings are coherent in terms of style, shows the distinctive traditional characteristics of pátios.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau has a public exhibition, titled “Pátio Memories – Exhibition of Life in Pátios and Becos in the Bygone Days”, at Pátio da Eterna Felicidade. It is a showcase highlighting achievements relating to the restoration, use and revitalisation of heritage buildings.

Exhibition goers can learn more about the life of Macao people in bygone days. Visitors can also deepen their understanding of the architectural characteristics of pátios.

Via use of illustrations, videos and photographs – presented in a diverse and engaging way – the exhibition is themed on three essential aspects of life: “food”, “lifestyle” and “playtime”. The themes reveal the culture and customs of people living in pátios and becos in bygone days.

The exhibition includes storytelling sessions designed for families, to promote the transmission and conservation of local history and culture.

The storytelling sessions also feature demonstrations on making traditional snacks, and tutorials on traditional games.

The storytelling sessions also feature demonstrations on making traditional snacks, and tutorials on traditional games.

In the future, the Government will from time to time make use of the open space at Pátio da Eterna Felicidade to organise themed activities related to the culture of pátios and becos.