Leiria submits candidacy for Portuguese Capital of Culture 2028

The Municipality of Leiria has officially presented its candidacy to become the Portuguese Capital of Culture in 2028. Unveiled during the NEXXT Leiria event, the project is guided by the motto “Cuidar dos outros, de nós, da natureza” (Caring for others, for ourselves, and for nature).

Under the artistic direction of cultural manager Tânia Alves and with consultancy from António Pinto Ribeiro, the initiative aims to establish a continuous cultural ecosystem rather than focusing solely on a single year of programming. The strategy seeks to strengthen existing ties between artistic creation, education, and local communities, leveraging a diverse local landscape that includes 11 philharmonic societies, 20 folklore groups, 7 theater groups, 16 dance schools, and 13 choirs.

Leiria Mayor Gonçalo Lopes stated that the candidacy is an opportunity to value regional work and project the area onto a national stage. The concept of “care” was central to the proposal, reflecting on community resilience and interdependence following the impact of Storm Kristin.