Discover the VIII Algarve Parish Meeting: Innovations and Local Power on March 7th!

VIII Algarve Parish Meeting

The Regional Delegation of the Algarve of the National Association of Parishes (ANAFRE) is set to organize the VIII Meeting of Parish Mayors on March 7th, 2024, at the Cineteatro de São Brás de Alportel. This year's theme is ‘Enhancing Parishes and Local Power’, which aims to highlight innovative and socioeconomically relevant projects developed within Algarve's parishes, as well as to promote the exchange of experiences and best practices among mayors from across the country.

The program, currently being finalized, will begin at 14:30 and include various presentations aligned with ANAFRE's mission to promote, defend, and dignify local power.

This meeting comes at a critical time as the proposal to disaggregate 135 parishes and create 302 new parishes was returned to the Assembly of the Republic after the President of the Republic decided against its promulgation. Out of the 16 existing Parish Unions in the Algarve, 8 have expressed a desire for disaggregation, which would lead to the establishment of 17 new parishes, changing the local map from 67 to 76 parishes.

Moreover, around 68% of parish mayors are serving their last term, presenting a significant challenge ahead.

João Carlos Simões, Regional Coordinator of ANAFRE Algarve, emphasizes that “this meeting is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of parishes within the local, regional, and national political context.” He also asserts that the recognition of all parishes, regardless of their size or location, is crucial for community development.

Program Overview:

VIII Meeting of Parish Mayors of the Algarve
Theme: Enhancing Parishes and Local Power
Location: Cineteatro de São Brás de Alportel
Date: March 7, 2024

Schedule:

• 14:30 - Reception of Guests
• 15:00 - Opening Session
  • João Simões, ANAFRE Regional Coordinator
  • João Rosa, President of the Parish Council of SBA
  • Vitor Guerreiro, Mayor of SBA
• 15:30 - 1st Panel: “Enhancing Parishes and Local Power”
  • Portimão Parish: “PT Goes Home” – Maria da Luz
  • Ferragudo Parish: “Ferragudo Digital” – Luis Alberto
  • Pechão Parish: “Sports Holidays” - Paulo Saleiro
  • Union of Querença, Tôr, and Benafim: “Waning Quarter - 1st Cycle Theater Clubs” - Margarida Correia
  • Faro Parish: “Rainwater Collection in Schools” – Bruno Lage
• 16:30 - Coffee Break
• 17:00 - 2nd Panel: “Enhancing Parishes and Local Power”
  • São Brás de Alportel Parish: “Community Space Activation” – João Rosa
  • Olhão Parish: “USO - Senior University of Olhão” – Rui Gabriel
  • Budens Parish: “Crochet Club” – Ana Custódio
  • Aljezur Parish: Project “GOTA” – Eugénio Arez
  • Monchique Parish: National Application “Bolo de Tacho” - José Gonçalo
• 18:00 - Closing Session
  • João Simões, ANAFRE Regional Coordinator
  • José Apolinário, President of CCDR Algarve
  • Government Member
  • Jorge Veloso, President of ANAFRE Board
• 19:00 - Dinner Gathering

This event promises to be an excellent occasion to discuss these matters and share best practices already being implemented in our parishes.