Festival Castro Mineiro celebrates mining heritage in Castro Verde

The 5th edition of the Festival Castro Mineiro is taking place in Castro Verde, celebrating the region's mining heritage and cultural identity. Held at Parque da Liberdade, the three-day event features a diverse program including Alentejo choral singing, archaeological exhibitions, wine tastings, and musical performances by artists such as Celina da Piedade.

During the festival's opening, local officials and representatives from Boliden Somincor emphasized the importance of the mining sector to the Baixo Alentejo economy. The event serves to bridge the history of the Neves-Corvo mine with future technological and environmental innovations.

However, the festival also provided a platform for political discourse. The Mayor of Castro Verde, António José Brito, used the inaugural session to demand financial compensation from the government. He highlighted a significant loss in municipal revenue, noting that the municipality has seen a drastic decrease in 'Derrama' (municipal tax on corporate profits) since 2017, which previously contributed millions of euros annually to the local budget.