“In such uncertain times as these, what we need are initiatives like this, of union, participation, and integration,” stated Manuel Machado, emphasizing the initiative’s importance for the “institutional relationship” between the two countries.
The Portuguese participation will include a strong cultural, tourist, economic, and commercial component. A stand will be hosted with videos, installations, comic book workshops, concerts, and recreational activities dedicated to the Portuguese language and culture, in cooperation with the Portuguese Language Teaching Abroad.
Economically and commercially, AICEP — the Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade of Portugal coordinates the Portuguese presence, highlighting sustainable fashion, the agri-food sector, and wines.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will attend both days of the festival, organized annually at Bellevue Palace by German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
“When I went to deliver the drums of our Association 2314, to be used in a workshop on Saturday afternoon, I was overwhelmed by the logistical effort this initiative entails – hundreds of people setting up pavilions and stages, many others ensuring the safety of people and the space,” described Helena Araújo, president of Association 2314.
“In these uncertain times, this party is an oasis of normality and democratic life. For a few hours, citizens of all nationalities and economic classes will stroll through the gardens, visit the stands, attend concerts, and participate in workshops. On this day, the presidential palace becomes the city’s meeting point,” she noted.
The two-day festival aims to “honor volunteer work and promote civic engagement among citizens,” according to an announcement on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic.
During his visit to Bürgerfest, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will deliver a speech at the opening ceremony and participate in a debate with German First Lady Elke Büdenbender and the rector of the Catholic University, Isabel Capeloa Gil, on the theme “how to give hope to children in times of crisis.”
“I feel a special pride in the Portuguese cultural program that will be presented with local talent, namely Portuguese artists residing in Berlin: from excellent singers and instrumentalists to the folk group, with its show of colorful costumes and meticulously rehearsed choreographies,” Helena Araújo mentioned.
António Horta, counselor of the Portuguese communities in Germany, will attend the first day of the festival, emphasizing the contribution to the community’s “visibility,” “showing it is present and represented in important spaces of culture and public life.”
“It shows that the work and contribution of the Portuguese and Luso-descendants in Germany is recognized and valued. It’s a way to demonstrate that they are an active part of German society,” he stressed.
Tiago Pinto Pais, president of the Berlinda Association, believes Portugal does not need the status of guest country at the Bürgerfest to gain Germany’s recognition.
“The country is a popular destination, and relations between the two countries are excellent. Still, the invitation always carries a dose of pride and is a gift to the Portuguese community – for those abroad, recognition from the host country always feels good,” he pointed out.
The “Citizens’ Festival” takes place Friday and Saturday at the official residence of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, in Berlin.
Chega voted in parliament against Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s trip to Germany to participate in the event, with its leader André Ventura accusing the head of state of attending a “hamburger festival at the expense of Portuguese taxpayers.”
In a video posted on Instagram, holding a document, André Ventura referred to the Bürgerfest as a “hamburger festival,” when in fact it is a Citizens’ Festival, as translated into Portuguese, held in the gardens of the presidential palace in Berlin.
