Portugal: GEFAC – Group of Ethnography and Folklore of the Academy of Coimbra honoured

On 29 July, a Local Award Ceremony was organised by GEFAC – Group of Ethnography and Folklore of the Academy of Coimbra (Portugal) to celebrate its European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award 2021 in the category Dedicated Service to Heritage.

The event took place at Liquidâmabar in Coimbra and was broadcast live on social media. Some 200 people, mostly professionals and enthusiasts from the heritage and culture sectors, attended the ceremony.

The event commenced with a panel discussion between Adérito Araújo, former member of GEFAC, João Maria André, Artistic Director of the Bonifrates Cooperative, and Madalena Victorino, a choreographer and artist. The discussion was moderated by Rita Brás, an active member of GEFAC. Following the panel discussion, the participants enjoyed an artistic and musical performance by GEFAC.

Former and current members of GEFAC then shared fascinating insights about their experience and relationship with GEFAC, as well as the importance of the group to both Portuguese and European cultural heritage.