The Government of the Azores celebrates the International Migrants Day Friday, December 18, with an initiative to be held at Amor da Pátria Society in Horta. It aims to disseminate the cultural diversity of the archipelago, providing a space for dialogue, socialisation and sharing of life experiences among those who have been or are still involved in migratory routes.

The programme of the celebrations starts at 9 Pm and includes, in addition to intercultural socialisation, the performances of the Dance and Music Group of the Association of Parents and Friends of Disabled Children of Faial, Cape Verdean artist Alexandre Delgado, Brazilian artist Pingo Grapuna and Horta, Mar e Fado Group.

The event also features the delivery ceremony of the awards of the Best Inclusive Practices Prize, an initiative developed by the Azorean Government, through the Regional Directorate for Communities. It is intended to disseminate and distinguish the inclusive projects developed by schools, private companies, associations and social media that promote interculturalism in the archipelago in the area of migrations.

These celebrations fall within of the Regional Government's policy to promote a better relation and understanding between different peoples and cultures residing in the Region, fostering interculturalism and honouring the life path of all migrants.

The International Migrants Day was proclaimed in 2000 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. It is annually marked on December 18 with the aim of raising the awareness of the international community to defend the rights of migrants throughout the world.