The first Macerata Festival in Taicang is announced to be held on April 10. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Italian city Macerata hosted its first namesake festival in Taicang, Jiangsu province from April 10 to 13, local media reported on April 14.

At the opening ceremony of the Macerata Festival, students from both cities experienced Chinese folk customs and culture at the city's Fuqiao town. They made dim sums, planted trees and watched an opera performance.

During the four-day event, the students also staged an art performance for local residents, including Italian songs, a fashion show, instrument playing and cross talks.

Taicang forged friendly relationship with Macerata in 2016 and over the past three years, the two cities have made frequent exchanges in economy, culture, social management and city construction.