Latest news and stories about social integration in Portugal for expats and residents.
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No one falls off a cliff when they are among friends. A column by Inês Meneses
The narrative serves to keep people's feet on the ground. We are inhabitants of this land when we have stories. Without them, even though we are here, it is as if we were somewhere else entirely.
The Brazilian consulate in Lisbon has created a competition to reward students and teachers in Portuguese schools for projects that encourage the fight against xenophobia towards Brazilians and promote friendship between the two countries. In an interview with DN Brasil, Consul Alessandro Candeas shares details of the initiative, which will be officially launched at the end of March.
In the Penha de França district of Lisbon, the Horta do Alto da Eira community garden has transformed a former construction waste site into a vibrant hub for social connection. Founded by the Regador Association, the project brings volunteers together to cultivate land and participate in the Regador Choir. Inspired by the 19th-century tradition of 'going to the gardens' to socialise, the project uses gardening and choral singing to combat urban isolation and promote mental well-being, even serving as a site for social prescribing within the National Health Service. The choir, led by professional musician Inês Proença, performs in a circle to foster group cohesion and a sense of belonging, singing songs that celebrate the land and community.
Director Marco Martins adapts Henrik Ibsen's classic play to explore the manipulation of immigrants' images by media and political parties. Inspired by a 2024 police operation in Lisbon where dozens of immigrants were lined up against a wall, the production features real-life participants to challenge the dehumanisation of migrant communities and spark a collective reflection on democracy and the 'minority versus majority' conflict.
In a conversation on ‘O Tal Podcast’, Telma Tvon recounts how rap was her passport to self-discovery, in a journey through rhymes that began in her childhood in Luanda and took flight during her adolescence, spent in the suburbs of Lisbon amidst the turbulence of adaptation. “You arrive and, suddenly, you have to get to know a whole other universe. People who are not always receptive because you are different, because you are that Black, strange person who came to their country.”
A report on the #LisboaEscuta project, highlighting the transition from community gardening to choral singing, emphasizing the power of collective voices.
The initiative involves students aged 3 to 18.
Former Prime Minister Passos Coelho advocates for a new immigration model that emphasizes integration and aims to prevent social instability. He reflects on past policies and suggests reforms to create a more effective approach to immigration.
Home Algarve A Place to Belong: Silves Valley Community and Social Centre A Place to Belong: Silves Valley Community and Social Centre I recently had the chance to visit the Silves Valley Community and Social Centre ( Centro Social e Comunitário de Vale Silves), and I quickly realised that it’s m
The banalisation of discriminatory language encompasses prejudiced expressions rooted in racism, sexism and homophobia.
A commentary contrasting the choice to refuse to heed ignorance with the decision to welcome and celebrate diversity.
A contrast between dismissing ignorant voices and actively welcoming diversity.
Rui Valério accuses world leaders of wanting to wage war. On controversial issues, he will follow the Pope's position.
The Patriarch of Lisbon says the rise in the number of foreigners in Portugal does not call into question the Christian identity of Portuguese society. He also accuses several world leaders of being unsettled individuals who only want war.
The Patriarch of Lisbon, Rui Valério, criticises the anti-immigrant rhetoric promoted by many who call themselves Catholics and by conservative movements.
CIP says the agreement opens “great prospects for economic growth.” Also, the Patriarch of Lisbon says that the increase in foreigners does not undermine the Christian character of Portuguese society.
The Patriarch of Lisbon said immigration does not threaten or call into question the Christian foundations of Portuguese society, asserting that newcomers do not compromise the nation's Christian identity.
Patriarch of Lisbon Rui Valério argued that immigration does not undermine Portugal’s Christian foundations, emphasising that Catholicism and Christian culture foster a universalist mentality. He stressed the need for integration and respect for the country’s cultural and religious traditions, asserting that newcomers do not threaten or call into question the nation’s Christian character.
Update: Rui Valério reiterated that Catholicism and Christian culture are “a strong promoter of a universalist mentality”, underscoring that immigration does not call into question or jeopardise the Christian character of Portuguese society. He emphasised the importance of integration and respect for Portugal's cultural and religious traditions, arguing that newcomers do not compromise the nation's Christian identity and urging a balanced, inclusive approach to social cohesion.
We are a mild-mannered and very welcoming people. I believe we all have a bit of a taxi-driver streak, because whenever someone approaches us, whatever language they speak, a Portuguese is a Portuguese and finds a way to be understood. Out comes a “Good morning”, a “Bonjour”, a “Buenos días”, a “Buongiorno”, a “Guten Morgen”, a “Bom dia”, a ...
When migration changes its name according to the colour of your skin, your passport and your bank balance. Opinion piece by Vivien Merciel Suarez
A study published the figures on Wednesday.
