Festivals for the promotion of cultural diversity

Festivals are organised throughout Portugal in which one of the key objectives is promotion of cultural diversity. One example is the “World Music Festival” in Sines which highlights the diversity of different forms of world music, in memory of the revolution in cultural contacts spawned by the travels of the navigator, Vasco of the Gama (who was born in Sines) under the motto, “give to discover”. Loulé also organises a world music festival, the MED Festival, that aims to introduce members of the general public to groups that highlight other forms of cultural expression in the area of music, handicrafts and of gastronomy. Almada hosts the Almada International Theatre Festival and the International Showcase of Arts for Young Audiences. These events reflect a strong component of dissemination and exchange of male and female artists from various countries, creating opportunities for mobility and exchanges of experience within and outside the national territory. ZEZEREARTS is developed in Ferreira do Zêzere during the month of August, involving the presence of around 25 Opera singers and piano players from various European countries. The Porto Santo Biennale (international contemporary art exhibition) exhibits more than 300 works and involves the presence of around 50 artists from various countries of the world.