As part of the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and within the framework of the Évora 2027 – European Capital of Culture initiative, the Municipality of Évora hosted a series of peace-focused events in May and June 2025.

The first of these was the Youth Meeting Mayors for Peace, held on 20th May at the cultural centre Armazém 8. This event brought together young people from various Portuguese cities and from Granollers, Spain, for a day of workshops promoting dialogue and a culture of peace through artistic expression.

The following day, on 21st May, the city hosted the international conference “What About Peace?”, featuring distinguished speakers such as Álvaro Ferrer Vecilla, Vice President of Granollers City Council; Víctor Ângelo, former UN Special Representative; and Pilar del Río, President of the José Saramago Foundation. The conference explored contemporary global conflicts and the vital role individuals and communities play in peacebuilding.

Culminating these efforts, on 20th June during the opening of the São João Fair—Évora’s largest annual event—the Municipality presented a small exhibition on the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Central to the exhibition was a moving installation titled “80 Years”, created as a collective gesture of remembrance and hope. The installation featured hundreds of tsurus (origami cranes) made by local schools and community associations, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young victim of the Hiroshima bombing whose dream of peace has become a global symbol.

The pavilion also included two panels: one commemorating the 80th anniversary of the bombings, and another showcasing Évora’s ongoing commitment to the Mayors for Peace network.

To mark the opening of the fair, a symbolic and emotional moment took place: floating lanterns were released onto the park’s fountain by the Mayor of Évora and local children, who also participated in a special performance dedicated to the value of peace. This gesture served as a heartfelt and visual appeal for a more peaceful and just world.