'Hello APEC' market lights up Shekou with Canadian, Mexican charms

Mariachi musicians pose with visitors in front of a Canada- and Mexico-themed backdrop at the “Hello APEC” cultural market in Shekou on Saturday. Photos courtesy of event organizer

The “Hello APEC: Experience North America” Shekou Cultural Market brought the flavors, music and traditions of Canada and Mexico to Shekou on Saturday afternoon, drawing crowds of Chinese and international residents.

Hosted by the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE), with support from the Consulate General of Mexico in Guangzhou, the Quebec Government Office in Shenzhen and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in South China, the event featured food, performances, sports activities and cultural exhibitions.

The Mexican exhibition area showcased the traditions of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Visitors sampled tacos, nachos and Mexican chorizo, tried Jarritos soda and margaritas, and watched a demonstration of how strawberry-flavored tequila is made. A Mariachi band performed, while visitors made maracas, tried skull painting and traditional face-painting, and posed at Lucha Libre-themed photo spots.

A mariachi band performs traditional Mexican music at the Shekou cultural market Saturday, bringing a taste of Mexican culture to the local community.

Canadian volunteer Tao Orion (2nd R) talks to visitors as they browse Mexican-themed souvenirs and cultural displays at the “Hello APEC: Experience North America” Shekou Cultural Market on Saturday.

Visitors pose for a photo against a colorful Mexican-themed backdrop featuring Day of the Dead imagery at the Shekou cultural market Saturday.

A highlight was a piñata presentation by Mexican resident Aileeng Lee Rios, who explained the tradition’s cultural significance. Children then took turns striking the piñata, sending candy spilling out and drawing cheers from the crowd. The area also featured hand-painted ceramic skulls, sombreros, handmade accessories and a Spanish-language exchange corner.

“I am very happy to see a market full of Mexican elements right at my doorstep,” said Sari, a Mexican resident.

A child takes a swing at a colorful piñata as spectators gather to watch at the Shekou cultural market Saturday.

A colorful skull mask inspired by Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions is displayed alongside a pink axolotl plush toy at the Shekou cultural market Saturday.

Canada’s exhibition area presented a more relaxed side of North American culture, with Tim Hortons coffee, poutine and maple syrup, alongside maple-leaf-themed goods and do-it-yourself crafts.

Canadian visitor Julien Sater recommended the poutine, joking that it was “a calorie bomb” but “incredibly delicious.”

Visitors explore the International School of Nanshan Shenzhen (ISNS) booth at the “Hello APEC: Experience North America” Shekou Cultural Market on Saturday.

Canadian teacher Kristin performs during an English-language stand-up comedy at the Shekou cultural market Saturday

Visitors tried floor hockey and padel, enjoyed English-language stand-up comedy by Canadian teacher Kristin, and watched a performance by a student band from the International School of Nanshan Shenzhen.

Other stalls offered international food and drinks, alsong with displays of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, bringing local and international traditions together. An “APEC Kno Hub” invited visitors to collect stamps at themed booths and take part in quizzes about APEC.

Mexican vlogger Sarai Enriquez (R) and her friend (L) share a lighthearted moment with Colombian singer Shirley Frias Torres (C) at the “Hello APEC: Experience North America” Shekou Cultural Market on Saturday.

A man poses with a baby wearing a Canada-themed bib at the “Hello APEC” cultural market in Shekou on Saturday.

Mexican restaurant owner Ezequiel Santacruz Clemente (2nd R) poses for a photo with visitors at the “Hello APEC” cultural market in Shekou on Saturday.

Crowds of visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere at the “Hello APEC: Experience North America” Shekou Cultural Market on Saturday.

Participants praised the event’s lively atmosphere. Ruben Mayo Alonso from Spain said: "This North American market was truly lively! There was a long queue at my booth — it was busier than any market I had participated in before. Thank you to the center staff for the invitation."

The market marked the finale of the “Hello APEC Shekou Cultural Market” series. Shekou MSCE said it would continue to organize cultural events to encourage exchanges between Chinese and international communities and contribute to an open, inclusive atmosphere ahead of the 2026 APEC meetings in Shenzhen next month.

Chinese and international participants pose for a group photo at the “Hello APEC: Experience North America” Shekou Cultural Market on Saturday. The market marked the finale of the “Hello APEC Shekou Cultural Market” series.