9th Congress of the Portuguese Anthropology Association – “Itinerancies” in Viana do Castelo

Between 14 and 18 July 2025, the city of Viana do Castelo hosted the 9th Congress of the Portuguese Anthropological Association (APA), under the theme ‘Itinerancies’. With 538 participants — 471 in person and 161 online —, the Congress reflected the plurality and dynamism of the anthropological community.

Its broad and multifaceted programme included 3 plenary sessions, 75 in-person panels, 11 online panels, 3 sessions and 5 films from the Anthropology and Cinema Exhibition, as well as 6 workshops that encouraged interdisciplinary sharing of knowledge and practices. The event also included 7 exhibitions and 1 theatre play.

The international congress featured keynote speakers and participants from more than 15 countries besides Portugal, including Brazil, Spain, Italy, China, Germany, Colombia, Nigeria, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Cape Verde, Mexico, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina, among others.

A symbolic moment, the inaugural session in the Prof. Lima de Carvalho Auditorium was marked by the hospitality of our hosts, namely the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo and the School of Technology and Management, as well as the Monserrate Secondary School, which also hosted several sessions and was equally praised for its facilities and welcoming atmosphere.

One of the striking features of this edition was the strong link with the city and sustainable mobility. Congress participants were able to travel between the various event venues, use the ‘Bira’ bicycles free of charge, or enjoy 10 guided tours that allowed them to discover different emblematic spaces in the city. In line with the theme of the congress, this itinerant character was greatly appreciated by the participants, who actively explored the integration between the congress and the territory.

The dinner and closing party — with more than 50 and 100 participants, respectively — brought the Congress to a close in an atmosphere of celebration and socialising.

The APA Board warmly thanks everyone for their participation in this congress, which proved to be a truly collective effort. The success of this edition was due to the generous involvement of multiple entities and individuals, and we would like to extend a special thanks to IPVC and, in particular, to the School of Technology and Management, the Monserrate Secondary School, as well as the local authority, Turismo de Portugal, the Museums of Viana, the Senior Academy and all the institutions and other local partners who made the event possible — from technical and logistical support to the production of graphic and communication materials.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank our local support and coordination teams for their work, without whom it would not have been possible to ensure the efficient running of so many activities spread across multiple venues in the city. A special mention goes to the APA secretariat, the eventQualia team and those responsible for the graphic design, whose dedication was essential to the success of the congress.

This edition represented a milestone in the history of APA congresses, reinforcing the cooperative and territorially rooted organisational model. The 9th APA Congress stands out for the richness of its scientific debate, the plurality of voices, and the shared experience with the city.

This edition represented a milestone in the history of APA congresses, reinforcing the cooperative and territorially rooted organisational model. The 9th APA Congress stands out for the richness of its scientific debate, the plurality of voices, the shared experience with the city, and the mobilisation of a committed, critical, and generous community.

We look forward to the next meetings — and the next itinerancies!

Our sincere thanks!

Organising Committee of the 9th APA Congress