Vila do Carvalho, in the municipality of Covilhã, hosted on September 12 and 13 the first edition of "Culturando N'Aldeia – Cultural and Literary Journey of Vila do Carvalho". The initiative took place at the Carvalhense Futebol Clube's 5-a-side Football Pitch, at the Olival Sports Complex, and proposed two days of programming dedicated to literature, music, crafts, painting, tradition and community participation. The organization was handled by Carvalhense Futebol Clube and INATEL, with institutional support from the Municipality of Covilhã and the Parish Council of Vila do Carvalho, in addition to the collaboration of local associations and groups.
The program included roundtables on topics such as the importance of sport in cultural development, the book as an act of citizenship and democracy, and the challenges of books and reading in the digital age. Figures such as José Luís Mendes, national futsal coach, Ricardo Ferraz from the University of Beira Interior, and writers such as José António Pinho, António Assumpção and João Morgado participated in these conversations. The program also featured musical groups such as the Filarmónica Recreativa Carvalhense, the Grupo Musical Canto da Beira, Desertuna and local dance and folk groups.
On Saturday, September 12, the official opening featured speeches by Nuno Salcedas, president of Carvalhense Futebol Clube, Margarida Pereira, INATEL's district coordinator, Sónia Moura, president of the Parish Council of Vila do Carvalho, and Regina Gouveia, Councilor for Culture of the Covilhã Municipal Council. On Sunday, activities included a walk inspired by Ferreira de Castro's work, reopening of the Book Fair and Craft Exhibition, and a tribute to people connected to local art and culture.
The event aimed to bring together different generations and cultural expressions in the same space, crossing literature, sport, music, local memory and artistic creation. Over the two days, the program placed Vila do Carvalho at the center of an initiative based on community participation and the valorization of culture produced in the territory.
