Jubilees

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa officially welcomed Mawlana Hazar Imam to Portugal on 9 July with full state honours at Palácio de Belém, the official residence of the President. Before entering the presidential palace on Monday, Mawlana Hazar Imam and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa paused to observe the Portugal Army Band’s rendition of the Portuguese National Anthem and the Nashid al-Imamah.

The Portuguese Jamat had an opportunity to showcase their talents at the Pátio Mela. Bem Vindo a Portugal (Welcome to Portugal), featured artists of all ages from across the Portugal jurisdiction Jamat, performing for the audience.

Mawlana Hazar Imam graced the Portugal jurisdiction Jamat with a Mulaqat at Centro de Congressos in Lisbon on 7 July 2018. Hazar Imam also met with the Jamat at the Ismaili Centre Lisbon earlier in the day.

As the Arena doors opened and the audience eagerly began to take their seats, there was an air of excitement among the concert-goers. The night began with a special performance from the Portuguese Fado singer, Cuca Roseta, who delighted the audience with her powerful voice and the melodies of her accomplished band. Following the first performance, Cheb Khaled, the Algeria-born artist famous for his songs Aicha, Didi, and C'est la vie, took the stage and energised the audience with songs performed in French, Spanish, and Arabic, much to everyone’s delight. Vishal-Shekar, the dynamic Bollywood duo thrilled the crowds to close the concert.

Excitement filled the Portugal Pavilion as over 400 artists came together on 5 July for A Estreia — the welcome gala for the Jubilee Arts finalists.