Celestino Graça will receive posthumously the Golden Key of the City of Santarém, the highest distinction awarded by the Municipality. This long-awaited tribute is scheduled for March 19, the date on which the Municipal Holiday is celebrated. The announcement was made by the president of the Municipal Council of Santarém, João Teixeira Leite, during the dinner reception for the foreign groups participating in the 65th edition of the Celestino Graça Festival, which is currently taking place in the city.
The proposal was approved by all members of the Municipal Executive and recognizes the contribution of one of the most remarkable figures in the cultural and social history of Santarém and Ribatejo. With this distinction, Celestino Graça joins other personalities who have already received this decoration, namely Salgueiro Maia and Joaquim Veríssimo Serrão.
The president of the Municipal Council of Santarém, João Teixeira Leite, stated that the city of Santarém itself will say thank you to him for his vision, the work accomplished, and the legacy left behind. The mayor also highlighted Celestino Graça's connection to the city, although the information about the specific content of that connection was not fully included in the article.
