“It was an unforgettable year because it valued the cultural sector of Aveiro and Portugal and also because it resulted in record numbers when it comes to Tourism in the City”, he declared.

According to the mayor, “Aveiro Portuguese Capital of Culture 2024 was part of a strategic investment by Aveiro City Hall, which began in 2019 and will continue in the coming years”.

The closing of the São Paulo Capital of Culture program took place on Sunday night, with two shows: a classical music recital by pianist Marta Menezes, and an artistic parade through the city's streets.

The city hall recorded more than 700 initiatives over 12 months, in a program that included concerts, plays, cinema sessions, exhibitions and conferences, by Portuguese and foreign artists.

The events were framed within the four quarters of the program, under the themes “Identity”, “Democracy”, “Sustainability” and “Technology”.

“Aveiro goes down in history as the first Portuguese Capital of Culture and will certainly continue to make history in this area and in many others”, said Ribau Esteves, thanking those involved in the process.

In addition to including events that already existed such as the Festival dos Canals, the Festival Dunas de São Jacinto and Aveiro Tech Week, the programming of the Portuguese Capital of Culture included specific initiatives.

“We say goodbye to the Portuguese Capital of Culture, passing the baton and responsibility to Braga, which will certainly rise to the challenge. I wish my colleague Mayor of Braga, Ricardo Rio, the greatest success”, concluded Ribau Esteves.