This coming Saturday, the vibrant city of Braga, known as the “City of Peace,” will be transformed into a stage for creativity, solidarity, and dialogue as it hosts an extraordinary event to celebrate the International Day of Peace. The event, taking place at the renowned Forum Braga, will bring together 24 national and international artists, 28 poets, and an impressive lineup of speakers and performers—all with a unified mission: to promote peace and global awareness through their art, words, and music.
A Global Collective for Peace
Under the theme of global concern, the invited individuals will present their unique perspectives on stage in a series of short individual talks. These artists and poets, representing diverse backgrounds and experiences, will offer pictorial and written reflections on the pressing issues of our time, particularly on peace and our shared responsibility to protect and preserve it.
Among the esteemed speakers are prominent figures such as Dr. Luísa Schmidt, a sociologist from the University of Lisbon, Eduardo Rêgo from BBC Wildlife, Dr. Rita Ribeiro, a psychologist from the Portuguese Society of Analytical Psychology, and Dany Oliveira, a communications specialist at the World Bank and UN Communications Adviser for Pakistan. Joining them is Dr. Pedro Teiga, a specialist in river rehabilitation and researcher at CIIMAR. Each speaker will bring a unique voice to the table, shedding light on how different fields of expertise intersect with the global movement for peace.
An Unforgettable Musical Experience
Music will play a pivotal role in the day’s program, serving as a universal language that transcends borders. José Cid, one of Portugal's most celebrated musicians with a career spanning over six decades, will perform. His contributions to Portuguese music have earned him numerous accolades, including 25 Silver, eight Gold, and three Platinum records. In 2019, he was honored with a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, making him a key highlight of the event.
Accompanying Cid will be the talented Galician singer Uxia, the gifted pianist Cristiana Gonçalves, and the extraordinary soprano Nádia Fidalgo, all under the musical direction of Álvaro Maio. Their performances are set to elevate the audience’s spirits and inspire a deep connection to the event's peaceful intentions.
The 'Salvator Mundi' Award: A Symbol of Hope
In an innovative and symbolic moment, the event will feature the presentation of the 'Salvator Mundi' Award. This prestigious recognition, introduced for the first time during this event, will be given to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to peace. The award adds a layer of importance to the occasion, reminding all in attendance of the collective responsibility to foster a more harmonious world.
A Collaborative Effort for Peace
This powerful event is made possible through the collaboration of several key figures. Santiago Belacqua and Xicofran have taken the lead in curating the program, with Isilda Nunes overseeing the poetry portion and Álvaro Maio managing the musical direction. The event is also supported by the Braga City Council, reinforcing the city's commitment to being a beacon of peace.
Importantly, the entire event is non-profit, and attendance is free, underscoring the inclusivity and accessibility of this peace movement. Everyone is invited to join in this collective effort to promote dialogue, reflection, and positive action on the International Day of Peace.
As Braga prepares to open its doors to this remarkable gathering of artists, poets, musicians, and thought leaders, the city stands as a symbol of hope and unity. The event at Forum Braga is not only a celebration of peace but a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility we all have in building a more compassionate and harmonious world. Through art, poetry, and music, these individuals will spark conversations that transcend borders, reminding us all that peace is possible when we come together with a shared vision.
Join us this Saturday at Forum Braga and be part of this global peace movement. Let’s celebrate the International Day of Peace in a way that truly resonates—through creativity, dialogue, and collective action.
Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Source and Photo Credits: Isilda Nunes
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