Can former Portuguese Colony Macao Hold On To Its Unique Culture?

Macao's Macanese people hope the former Portuguese colony can maintain its cultural uniqueness so that future tourists will not only see architectural heritage sites such as the ruins of St. Paul's, but also the rest of the city. (Cindy Sui/VOA) FILE - Casino Lisboa, right, is seen in Macao, Dec. 28, 2022. FILE: People line up to be tested for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 near the Ruins of Saint Paul's in Macao, China, June 20, 2022. Macanese restaurant operator Ivone de Jesus says her community wants its unique culture to be passed down to future generations. (Cindy Sui/VOA) Macanese families, such as that of Ivone de Jesus, front, third from left, are proud of their heritage. (Photo courtesy Ivone de Jesus) FILE - Tourists enjoy unusual tranquility at the historic site Ruins of St. Paul's in Macao, Dec. 28, 2022. Macao's Macanese people are close knit and often gather in favorite restaurants such as Couzinha Aida, which serves Macanese food. (Cindy Sui/VOA)

Macao is known as “the Las Vegas of Asia,” with its glitzy casinos and huge gaming industry surpassing that of its U.S. counterpart, but the region is also home to a unique ethnic group — the Macanese.