The II National Congress CIOFF Young Portugal took place in Gouveia on November 7th and 8th, organized by the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Traditional Arts (CIOFF). The two-day event aimed to share, reflect on, and promote traditional culture.
The opening session was attended by José Nuno Santos, Vice-President of the Gouveia Municipal Council, who welcomed the participants. Also present were Paulo Marques, President of the Board of CIOFF Portugal, and, joining live from Cyprus, Enrih Merdić, President of the Southern Europe Sector, and Luís Gonçalves, Vice-President of CIOFF Portugal.
In the afternoon, Daniela Oliveira, Councillor for Culture, participated in the discussion “CIOFF Festivals: Culture, Territory, and Youth in Motion,” which focused on the role of festivals in revitalizing territories and engaging young people. The discussion also included Carlos Cardoso (President of Cinfães Municipal Council), Sofia Isabel Carreira (Vice-President of CCDRC – Culture Unit), Nuno Caldeira (Head of the Municipal Service for Associativism, Event Management, and Libraries of Cantanhede Municipality), and a representative from IPDJ. The moderation was led by Tomás Coelho of CIOFF Young Portugal.
Another discussion, “Youth in Action: The Force That Makes CIOFF Festivals Thrive,” focused on sharing experiences from those involved in festivals. Participants included Catarina Duarte (volunteer for FOLK Vinhó), Henrique Macedo (Director of Fest’ In Folk Corredoura), Ricardo Marques (from CIOFF Young Portugal), and Jorge Urbano (Director of the Volunteering Area of FESTARTE, Matosinhos). Moderation was by Miguel Pinheiro of CIOFF Young Portugal.
The organization of this congress in Gouveia was supported by the Rancho Folclórico de Vinhó. The first day concluded with a performance by the children's group of the Rancho Folclórico de Gouveia, highlighting the importance of passing traditions to new generations.
On the second day, participants took a guided tour of Gouveia, exploring its heritage, history, and territorial identity.
