Municipality/Region

São Brás de Alportel, Portugal

Summary

The Intercultural Fortnight of the Portuguese municipality of São Brás de Alportel is a series of initiatives and activities that engage and involve foreign residents, including an intercultural market, workshops, exhibitions, concerts, fairs, walking tours and colloquia.

Areas of integration covered by practice

Integration of migrants in political and civic local life

Background and purpose

The Intercultural Fortnight encourages contact, intercultural dialogue and integration among immigrants residing in São Brás de Alportel.

Timeframe

The events take place in May of each year.

How does it work?

The Intercultural Fortnight is a series of workshops, exhibitions, concerts, fairs, walking tours, colloquia and an intercultural market taking place annually in May. The initiatives are held at various locations that are strategic, easy to access, and visited by large numbers of people, thus enabling greater interaction between immigrants and the local community.

This initiative is part of the Annual Activity Plan of the São Brás de Alportel local centre to support migrants’ integration (CLAIM), which facilitates various activities and initiatives to encourage interest, cultural diversity and engagement on the part of immigrants and the community at large. This is a strategic priority of the São Brás de Alportel municipal council with respect to 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