The Municipality of Amarante is marking World Mental Health Day on October 10th with the 'Care, Prevent, and Empower' initiative, part of the 'Amarante Equally' campaign. The program aims to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and self-care, exploring the connection between nature, art, and water as promoters of physical, emotional, and mental health.
The day begins at 9:30 AM with the 'Caminhar com Sentido' (Walking with Meaning) activity on the Nossa Senhora do Vau Trail, following the secretariat's opening at 8:30 AM at AmarantePure Termas e SPA. The walk, which includes five stations with sensory experiences and connection with nature, culminates in a brunch at 11:30 AM in the SPA's garden. The activity offers a moment of pause and self-connection, valuing small everyday experiences.
In the afternoon, at 2:30 PM, the initiative continues with 'Sentidos com Arte' (Senses with Art), taking place simultaneously at the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum of Modern Art and the AmarantePure Termas & Spa. This proposal connects art, body, and mind through experiences that explore observation and presence.
At the Museum, the guided tour 'Art as a Space for Well-being' invites reflection on the emotions evoked by the artworks. At AmarantePure Termas & Spa, a stretching, relaxation, and meditation session will be held, led by spa professionals and Professor José Costa, a Master in Yoga and Meditation. Both experiences will be conducted in two groups of 40 participants each, who will then switch activities.
The 'Cuidar, Prevenir e Empoderar' initiative aligns with the 2026 Pink October Campaign by the Portuguese League Against Cancer, reinforcing health literacy and breast cancer prevention. Participants can support the cause through donations and campaign merchandise.
More than just marking World Mental Health Day, the event aims to create opportunities for participation, reflection, and meeting, promoting greater awareness of the importance of caring for mental and physical health, preventing illness, and adopting well-being practices. The initiative is a joint effort by AmarantePure Termas e SPA, the Department of Culture – Educational Service, the Forest Technical Division, and the Psychological Support Response of the Municipality of Amarante.
On October 23rd, the 'Conversas de Igual para Igual' (Talks of Equal to Equal) will take place at the Amarante Cine-Teatro, with the theme 'intimacy, affection, and violence in the digital age'.
