Esprominho’s “Let’s Salvage From Oblivion” project to appreciate European cultural heritage

The project “Let’s Salvage From Oblivion” (2018-1-PL01-KA229-051216_1) is the result of a partnership between Poland, Bulgaria, and Portugal. It aims to awaken respect for cultural heritage and appreciate the value of European cultural heritage, develop citizenship and a sense of European identity based on common values, history and culture, promote folklore and ancient traditions and folk crafts, make known the culinary traditions of EU countries, make known cultural heritage objects under UNESCO protection, thanks to mobilities for partner countries, support recognition of European linguistic diversity and awareness of the importance of learning European languages, foster the acquisition of language skills through an innovative approach to learning foreign languages (CLIL and tandem method) and ICT skills.

The first mobility was held in Braga, Portugal, between October 21st and 25th, 2019. In total, nine teachers and thirty-six students participated in this mobility which enabled participating countries to introduce partner schools and countries; learn more about the traditions of each country in terms of gastronomy, dances and music; teach traditional dances from each country; visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and monuments; teach traditional dishes from each partner country; start a glossary of vocabulary associated with National / World Heritage in the three languages involved; foster the conviviality and interaction of young people from the three countries.

The Polish and Bulgarian participants had the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Bom Jesus), as well as the Marian Sanctuary Nossa Senhora do Sameiro, the second most visited Marian devoted Sanctuary in Portugal after Fatima.

They were also taken to visit the Museum of Stringed Instruments (Museu dos Cordofones), dedicated to Portuguese Traditional Instruments, with special emphasis on the famous Portuguese Guitar Cavaquinho, original from Braga and ancestor of the Ukulele.

They also had the opportunity to see the Portuguese traditional folk costume (male and female) of the Minho region, and to be introduced to two folk dancers who showed and also taught them some steps of different traditional folk dances. Afterwards, the participants had the chance to listen to music of two Portuguese traditional instruments: cavaquinho and concertina.

All the participants were taken to Guimarães which town center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001. They could see the Guimarães castle as well as the town center.

Then they were taken to Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, which is rich in cultural, historical and architectural heritage, with the famous São Bento railway station, where they had the opportunity to admire the azulejos, famous Portuguese tiles which depict historical life scenes.