Feature: Lisbon's most multicultural square gains new life

Lisbon's Martim Moniz square, the most multicultural area here, is just a faint echo of what it was when the square was practically deserted and less frequented due to its dangerous reputation.

The square was transformed into a "Fusion Market" by concessionary company NCS in 2012. Since then, Martim Moniz has morphed into a lively and hybrid area.

"The project was born through a public competition and the concept is to have 10 different kiosks, each one representing a different country. We also hold various events throughout the year," Ana Nobre, a manager of NCS told Xinhua.

"The idea is to promote interaction with different cultures. The square used to have a bad reputation, but our project is proving a success and is enriching the area," she added.

Earlier this year, the square drew hundreds of people to the area to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Goat, where traditional dancing and live performances took place, and there was a giant dragon on show.

There are kiosks open every day selling foods from around the globe, from pizza to kebabs and Chinese noodles.

Often, groups of people of all ages, from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh gather on the square to play cricket.

"The square gained a new life," says Said Ceani, 35, from Bangladesh, who runs a stall on the square selling Indian and Greek cuisine. "Just a few years ago, this square was full of robbers and drug addicts."

Martim Moniz until recent times had a bad reputation for being a dangerous area, yet today, it is a tranquil square with water fountains, where people drink cocktails on esplanades and sunbathe on the artificial lawns of grass during the summer, when the temperature rises.

Fatima Claro, 43, a local employee at an Indian gift shop across from the main square, has worked in the area for over 20 years, which she says has always been known for its retail stores.

"This area has a much nicer atmosphere, with many kiosks selling food. It is very enjoyable to go over to the square," Fatima says.

Nearby, a young Chinese girl, Jennifer, aged 25, was walking out from the local Chinese/Asian supermarket carrying two big plastic bags full of the food she misses from Tian Jin, her home-town.

"I live in Evora (south portugal), but sometimes come to Lisbon to do my shopping," she says in limited Portuguese, adding that she has lived here for six years and owns a clothes store.

The supermarket, its signs all written in Chinese characters, sells all kinds of imported Asian foods.

At Martim Moniz today people like Jennifer can feel at home and locals have a taste of a variety of cultures on their doorsteps. Endit