The Regional Government, through the Office of the Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations, marks the European Music Day on Saturday, June 15, on Graciosa Island.
 
This celebration aims to highlight culture and music as relevant aspects of the European identity. An unprecedented initiative, it will involve the participation of the island's four philharmonic bands that will be coordinated by teacher and conductor Vânia Bettencourt.
 
Overall, about one hundred musicians from União Praiense Philharmonic Society, União Progresso de Guadalupe Philharmonic Band, Recreio dos Artistas Philharmonic Band and União Popular Luzense Philharmonic Society. The initiative also counts on the collaboration of Santa Cruz da Graciosa Town Council and will be presented by Helder Tristão da Cunha.
 
The event will be held at Praça Fontes Pereira de Melo at 8 PM and will be open to the entire population.
 
Simultaneously, educational and cultural activities will take place at this central square in the town of Santa Cruz, including an exhibition on traditional instruments of European Union countries, a face painting workshop and drawings illustrating EU themes.
 
The European Music Day or Music Feast is annually celebrated on June 21, the traditional day of summer solstice, with the aim of bringing musicians to the streets.
 
The first celebration took place in France in 1982 on the initiative of the Minister of Culture, Jack Lang.
 
The following year, 200 thousand musicians participated in the event, filling streets, squares and gardens. The event has been growing throughout Europe over the years.