The Zona de Couros, in Guimarães, celebrates three years of UNESCO World Heritage classification with three days of programming promoted by the Municipality of Guimarães, in partnership with A Oficina, Curtir Ciência, Laboratório da Paisagem and Sociedade Martins Sarmento. The program kicks off on September 18 and aims to celebrate the industrial and cultural heritage of the area, as well as its relationship with water, nature, memory and the community.
The first day includes the inauguration of the exhibition "COUROS" at Sociedade Martins Sarmento, visits to the former Âncora Tannery Factory, activities on the importance of tanneries in the production of agricultural implements, and the exhibition "Pela Pele da Cidade" featuring works by visual artist Soraia Oliveira, photographer Gonçalo Fontes and tattoo artist Daniel Kickflip. The evening ends with the community performance "Giving voice to the stones and water" at CAAA.
On September 19, the "Pilgrimage of the Waters" hike takes place along the Ribeira Costa-Couros, tours of the UNESCO-classified heritage, and the family workshop "From Skin to Leather". The afternoon includes a conversation about heritage and education with the participation of Maria João Vasconcelos, Maria de Lurdes Rufino and Helena Pinto. Music marks the rest of the day with the Co(u)ral Route and concerts by Corué, Orfeão de Guimarães, Modern Choir and Grupo Coral de Azurém.
On the final day, September 20, Casa da Memória hosts the workshop "Tanning Our Map" and Curtir Ciência holds a special edition of "Courtyards of the Neighborhood" with interventions by José Teibão, chef Christian Rullán and harpist Angélica Salvi. The program ends at 6:00 PM with a community celebration at the Hall of Rehearsal Rooms of the Garagens do Teatro Jordão, bringing together music, dance and participation from various local entities. Some activities are free, but others require advance registration or have limited capacity.
