The Regional Directorate for Culture, through various initiatives developed by its external services, will join the celebrations of the anniversary of UNESCO and the International Day for Tolerance, which will take on Saturday, November 16.

The Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, established by UNESCO in 1995, on the date of its 50th anniversary, defines this concept as "not only as a moral duty, but also as a political and legal requirement for individuals, groups and States."

In this regard, this document defines tolerance as a demonstration of respect for "the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human."

On the occasion of the celebration of the International Day for Tolerance, the National Commission of UNESCO has invited the managers of World Heritage sites, intangible cultural heritage assets and other UNESCO programmes implemented in Portugal to mark this day.

On November 16, a panel displaying the slogan "Mãos de todas as cores" (Hands in all colours) will be placed in the entrance hall of the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archives. Visitors will be asked to imprint one of their hands on the panel and give their opinion on tolerance.

A display of books on this theme will be available on site for consultation or home loan. This initiative also includes the exhibition of films: a children's session, "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" at 2:30 PM, and an adult session, "Billy Eliot" at 4 PM.

In turn, the Carlos Machado Museum will present the painting "Fábrica 32" by plastic artist Paula Motta at 3:30 PM. The event is followed by a guided tour to the Sacred Art Centre, with special emphasis on the works depicting this theme.

The programme also includes a debate featuring testimonies of solidarity, discrimination and marginalisation. This event will be organised in a partnership with the Azores Immigrant Association (AIPA) and will be attended by the president of this institution, Paulo Mendes.  The release of a stamp featuring the image of the campaign promoted by AIPA, "Luta pela Eliminação da Discriminação Racial" (Fight for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination), is another initiative that is part of the celebration programme.

The Pico Museum will also join these celebrations with the organisation of an educational activity titled "Por um crescimento mais tolerante" (Towards a more tolerant growth) to take place on Friday morning, November 15.

This initiative, with a duration of 90 minutes, is targeted at elementary school students in Lajes do Pico. It includes the exhibition of a children's film and a discussion/debate with the school psychologist on the theme of tolerance, followed by the organisation of an educational game “O que é ser tolerante?" (The meaning of being tolerant).

On the island of São Jorge, the Francisco Lacerda Museum promotes on November 13 and 14 a reading workshop titled "O Mundo à nossa volta" (The World around us), based on the book "O meu vizinho é um cão" (My neighbour is a dog).

This workshop runs from 9:30 AM to 12 PM and from 2 PM to 3:30 PM at Ribeira Seca Basic Education School, Santo Amaro Basic Education School and at the "O Golfinho" Kindergarten.

In turn, the Santa Maria Museum will also join the celebrations with the organisation of a conference under the theme of tolerance to be delivered by Adriano Borges, administrator of the Angra do Heroísmo diocese. The conference will be held at the Dalberto Pombo Interpretation Centre in Vila do Porto on November 16 at 9 PM.