Municipality/Region

São Brás de Alportel, Portugal

Summary

An intercultural market takes place every year in the São Brás de Alportel (Portugal) municipal marketplace. The market showcases the gastronomy, traditional clothes, music, dance and handicrafts of various cultures.

Areas of integration covered by practice

Integration of migrants in political and civic local life

Background and purpose

The intercultural market aims to encourage the reception and integration of the immigrant population, as well as the dissemination and sharing of traditions, customs and cultures.

Timeframe

The intercultural market takes place annually on the penultimate Saturday of May.

How does it work?

The intercultural market is a day of performances, exhibitions and foods from different countries and cultures. The project takes place in a location that is strategic, easy to access, and visited by large numbers of people, thus enabling greater interaction between immigrant and local communities.

The market is an initiative that was fostered as part of the Annual Activity Plan of the São Brás de Alportel local centre to support migrants’ integration (CLAIM). It is an annual opportunity to showcase activities and initiatives of different countries and cultures. This is a strategic priority of the São Brás de Alportel municipal council in terms of local policies on the reception and integration of immigrants.

Results and evaluation

This practice is becoming well-established and can serve as a benchmark for other activities that promote intercultural interaction. The municipality has increased the participation of immigrants in intercultural initiatives, enabling them to share their customs, culture and traditions.

Funding

The event is organised by the São Brás de Alportel municipal council via the CLAIM centre, using its own human, material and financial resources, and in partnership with other relevant bodies.

Contact

Municipality of São Brás de Alportel

São Brás de Alportel Community Support Centre

Phone: 289 840 020

Email: cac@cm-sbras.pt 

Further information

Website of the practice