The Brazilian municipality of Goiânia, capital of the state of Goiás with approximately 1.5 million inhabitants, is expected to be the "guest city" at the Aveiro municipality's festivities in 2027, an event whose highlight is the municipal holiday dedicated to Princess Saint Joana. This indication was made by the mayor of Aveiro, Luís Souto, at the last executive meeting, regarding the approval of the twinning protocol with the Goiânia City Hall, which was sent for final ratification at the Municipal Assembly scheduled for September 21.
The twinning commitment was formalized by the Brazilian side last March, following an official visit by an Aveiro delegation to Goiás led by Luís Souto. The return visit took place in May, during the festivities of Aveiro city, with the presence of a representative from Goiânia. When the representatives of both cities meet again in May of next year, they will already be officially "sister municipalities".
Luís Souto explained that the twinning reflects an already existing reality of investors from Goiânia in Aveiro who are contributing to the local economy. The mayor also recalled the "extraordinary way" the Aveiro delegation was received by the City Hall and by the State of Goiás itself, highlighting that the approval process by Aveiro should not be delayed any further.
The Aveiro city council maintains closeness to the Brazilian community settled in the city. It is estimated that 60,000 Brazilians reside in the district, of which 13 to 16 thousand in the city of Ria and the neighboring municipalities. Luís Souto recently participated in the "Estação Brasil" encounter, organized by AxéJi – Ijexá Beat Sociocultural Association, held at Parque Infante D. Pedro with thousands of people.
