The Cultural Heritage, Public Institute (Património Cultural, I.P.) is marking the International Day for Intangible Cultural Heritage on October 16th and 17th, at the Casa das Artes in the city of Porto. The celebrations include a Commemorative Session where the Secretary of State for Culture, Alberto Santos, will preside over the Ceremony for the Delivery of Intangible Cultural Heritage Plaques. Plaques will be awarded to manifestations inscribed in 2026, followed by a presentation of each one.
On October 16th, the Traveling Exhibition “Living Cultures – National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage 2026” will be inaugurated. This exhibition aims to stimulate reflection on the concepts of diversity, collective memory, transmission, and identity.
On the following day, October 17th, the public will have the opportunity to visit the exhibition at the Casa das Artes and interact with those responsible for the manifestations inventoried in 2026. There will also be an information session on the inventory process, led by technicians from Património Cultural, I.P.
Through this initiative, Património Cultural, I.P. aims to highlight the importance of diversity, collective memory, transmission, and identity, which are crucial elements in the active involvement of communities. These concepts translate into original modes of social organization and the creation of know-how that result in numerous material testimonies recognized as local and national heritage values.
The celebration of Living Heritage will feature practitioners of oral traditions, artistic expressions, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge related to nature and the universe, and skills in traditional processes and techniques, emphasizing their contribution to cultural diversity.
