For three days, Porta 33 organized the 5th edition of Festa da Escola da Vila in Porto Santo. The event featured a diverse program of activities and the collaboration of the Porto Santo Municipality, as part of the Porto Santo Island Biosphere Reserve.
The initiative brought together local and external participants around artistic creation, learning, and territory discovery. The aim was to promote different perspectives on the island's identity, culture, and heritage.
Among the presented works, the EIRA – Visual Guide to Porto Santo and a book compiling children's productions were particularly noteworthy. These examples highlighted the involvement of the younger generation and the potential of creativity to deepen knowledge and connection to their place of residence.
The activities aligned with the Biosphere Reserve's objectives by bridging culture and nature, encouraging education and awareness, reinforcing knowledge of the territory, and stimulating active public engagement.
An interpretive walk, adapted due to rain, allowed participants to engage with Porto Santo's biodiversity and geodiversity in the Praia dos Balneários and Lagoa area. Special thanks were extended to Dr. Susana Fontinha and Eng. João Baptista for their enthusiastic sharing of knowledge about the island's natural heritage.
The organization acknowledged the dedication of the Porta 33 team and the participation of all involved. The engagement of the Porto Santo community was especially highlighted, reinforcing people's connection to their history, traditions, and territory.
The 5th edition of Festa da Escola da Vila demonstrated how cooperation between institutions, artists, technicians, and the public can generate enriching experiences and contribute to a vibrant, participatory Biosphere Reserve deeply linked to Porto Santo's identity.
