The meeting, attended by the Mayor, Ricardo Araújo, and members of the Scientific Committee, aimed to deepen the coordination of preparations for a commemorative program of national and international scope, in which Guimarães holds undeniable historical centrality.
Ricardo Araújo highlighted the importance of cooperation to give the celebration a national and international dimension, announcing a specific program based on a highly meritorious Scientific Committee, with publications, congresses, and seminars. The creation of a Community Commission, with its own municipal budget, to involve civil society in the commemorations was also announced.
Paulo Portas explained that the National Commissariat's work is in a phase of consultation and gathering contributions, involving different areas of knowledge and society, with three phases: listen, synthesize, and execute. He emphasized the importance of scientific rigor and engaging younger generations, stating that the celebrations must have scientific validation and convey Portugal's history to new generations. He also highlighted that Guimarães is central to the formation of Portugal's independence.
The visit also included a stop at the Sociedade Martins Sarmento and the International Colloquium «Arts in the County of Portucale and in the Reign of D. Afonso Henriques (868-1185)», promoted by the Municipality. The Scientific Committee's mission is to define the scientific dimension of the National Commemorations of 1128, through specialized publications and meetings, deepening historical knowledge about the Battle of São Mamede and its context.
Two years before the 900th anniversary of the Battle of São Mamede, Guimarães reaffirms its commitment to celebrating June 24, 1128, with due historical recognition, projecting its importance throughout the country and beyond its borders.
