On February 21, 2021, the Municipality of Braga, at the Braga Forum, formally (re) opened the Capital of Culture of the Atlantic Axis, an initiative scheduled for the current year, but postponed due to the covid-19 pandemic.
In a document already voted in the Chamber, the councilor for Culture, Lídia Dias, points out that “the main highlights of the program are: the ZZ – Jazz Festival of Braga, which becomes part of the cultural dynamics of the city, the public art program BeO (Braga em Obras), the urban culture festival Fenda eo Noroeste – Contemporary Music Festival of Raiz. Also Poesia ao Centro, B de Dança, Braga Romana, Book Fair, MIMARTE – Theater Festival and International Folklore Festival will seek to create bridges with Galicia and the North of Portugal.
He adds that “the Convergências Portugal-Galiza and the Castro-Galaico Festival, which have a dialogue with Galicia at their headquarters, will see their program especially reinforced”. In the plan, among other exchange actions among the 28 Municipalities that make up the Atlantic Axis, scientific and reflection meetings, exhibitions, a Galician cinema cycle, an illustration prize within the scope of Braga em Risco – Encontro de Ilustration . In December, also part of the Braga é Natal initiative, the first edition of the Festival of Puppets and Animated Forms will take place.
“The Capital of Culture will be one of the pivotal moments for the strengthening of the bond between Braga and the Euro region, which has been renewed in recent years”, underlines the councilwoman.
And, in conclusion, he states that, “given the affirmation of Culture as a priority within the scope of municipal action – an option confirmed by the declaration of Braga as a UNESCO Media Arts City and by the ambition to be European Capital of Culture in 2027 – the welcoming of the Capital of the Atlantic Axis Culture is a decisive step in the process of community involvement in a growing dynamic of cultural creation and enjoyment ”.
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