Cultural performances were given by the Portuguese Macao government on the eve of the historic moment of Macao's handover to Chinese rule.

Portugal's President Jorge Sampaio, Macao's last Portugal-appointed governor Vasco Rocha Vieira, and about 2,500 guests watched the performances.

The cultural event consisting of four parts named respectively "Heritage", "Harmony", "Culture" and "Macao Our Future" was designed to reflect Macao's characteristic of being a crossway of cultures.

Some 1,100 people, most of whom are local students, took part in today's performances. Singers and dancers popular in Portugal, China and Macao entertained the audience.

Luis Represas, a Portuguese singer, offered the world premiere of "Macao, Missing You Feels Good", an original theme for the Handover Ceremony composed by himself at the special request of the Macao government.

The Portuguese President and the Macao governor delivered speeches before the cultural event ended with dragon and lion dancing by 200 local people.