1. Sintra’s City Hall Forms Orchestras in Prisons
The new project “Orquestras de Sintra” will teach inmates to play musical instruments. The aim is to strengthen the bonds between the prison population and the community. Inmates from the Carregueira and Sintra prisons will join the initiative. This project is based on the “Orquestras Escolares de Sintra” initiative, which involves around 400 students and 15 public schools in the municipality. Its goal is to “strengthen social ties between prisoners and the community by providing artistic, cultural, and educational practices,” according to the Sintra City Hall.
The project will be developed in partnership with IPAV – Instituto Padre António Vieira, which will provide initial training and technical support for the teachers, as well as the design and implementation of programs aimed at developing socio-emotional skills, tailored to each inmate’s context as they prepare for their transition out of prison, as stated on the municipal website.
“By creating orchestras in these new spaces, the local government reinforces its commitment to inclusive projects, using music as a tool for social transformation,” adds the municipal executive in a statement. The inmates will receive three hours of training per week, giving participants “the opportunity to learn to play an instrument from one of the four families of orchestral instruments: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.” The lessons are set to begin on November 18. Note that the intervention model also includes the training of new “trainers, with theoretical-conceptual and theoretical-practical training in the UBUNTU methodology, aimed at the project’s teachers and musicians, prison staff, and inmates.”
Read more from our source here.
2. Thirteen Years of Pensão Amor Celebrated with Erotic Workshops, Performances, and an Escape Room
Thirteen years of breaking taboos and celebrating sexual freedom are being celebrated at Pensão Amor. The venue, located on the pink street of Cais do Sodré, will mark this anniversary with erotic workshops and other free activities from Saturday, November 16, to Sunday, November 17.
On the first day, you can participate in a self-erotism and pleasure workshop with activist Carmo Gê Pereira from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and learn how to make burlesque drawings with editorial illustrator Nuno Saraiva (who has worked with Time Out and many other media outlets) at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. To close, professional massage therapist Ana Nogueira will offer a tantric massage training session from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Sunday, November 17, clinical psychologist and trainer Rafaela Rolhas will hold a workshop on masturbation and sex toys from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and Berlin-based artist Hottie de Paris will explore impact play techniques, tools, and tips — a practice associated with BDSM where a person is hit consensually for sexual pleasure or gratification — from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Finally, experienced dancer and instructor Marina Mey will teach a pole dance class. On both days, between 3:00 pm and 8:30 pm, the Erotic Escape Room will take place. Every half-hour, players will be challenged to dive into the lives of three famous courtesans and uncover their most intimate secrets, in search of a valuable artifact. The game will be held in three spaces of Pensão Amor: Madam’s Lodge, Bing Quing’s room, and the Russian’s room. This experience is created by sex coach Rui Simas and is the only event requiring ticket purchase, for €10.
In addition to these activities, there will be several performances throughout the weekend. On Saturday, November 16, after 10:00 pm, performances by Manu De La Roche, Mary Poppers, and Vini Ga Room will take place. On Sunday, November 17, starting at 7:00 pm, Vanity Redfire, Veronique Devine, and Mizz Kat Tigerfell, from the burlesque cabaret troupe Voix Ville, will perform, along with Tandy 3000, Marina Mey, Lucas, and the artistic collective Laboratório.
Where: Rua do Alecrim, 19 (Cais do Sodré).
When: 16-17 Nov (Friday and Saturday).
How much: Free (except for the escape room).
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3. Christmas Market Returns to Baixa de Lisboa Next Week
The Rossio Christmas Market is back this month in Baixa, bringing handcrafted stalls, live music, and an “impressive” exhibition of century-old dolls. A free-access Christmas train will also be available. Organized by the Baixa Pombalina Dynamization Association (ADBP), the event kicks off on November 15th and runs until December 22nd. According to ADBP president Manuel Lopes, the market seeks to evolve each year, adapting to the challenges of commerce and the city, and aims to make a lasting impact on visitors and solidify Lisbon as a festive destination.
This year’s edition will feature 70 artisan stalls offering a variety of goods, including a selection of holiday treats. The traditional Doll Hospital will once again present a stunning collection of antique dolls dating back to the 19th century. The Christmas train, 100% electric, will invite families to embark on a journey through Baixa, accompanied by elves and other characters. The train will operate daily from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
The entertainment schedule begins on November 15th with a performance by the band Os Bandalheira and a Christmas parade featuring circus artists, characters, mascots, and a Santa Claus. Other performances throughout the season include university choirs, philharmonic bands, and children’s theater shows, running every weekend between 3:00 PM and 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 10:00 PM on Sundays. Santa Claus will also make his usual appearance in Praça D. Pedro IV, inviting children to take photos with him.
Where: Praça D. Pedro IV (Rossio).
When: 15 Nov-22 Nov. Sunday to Thursday 10:00am to 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday (and holiday eve) 10:00am to 11:00pm.
How much: Free.
Read more from our source here.
4. System Rewarding Return of Packaging to Launch in 2026
The Deposit and Refund System (SDR), which gives consumers a symbolic amount for each returned package, is projected to be in place by early 2026, according to Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho. “The license will be issued on November 21, and operations will start in early 2026,” the minister announced on Friday during a hearing before the Assembly of the Republic, concerning the State Budget for 2025.
In April of last year, SDR Portugal, represented by Director-General Miguel Aranda da Silva, anticipated that the network would be operational by 2025. The association expects that more than 3,600 collection points will be established across the country in major retail and wholesale locations, as well as in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and other strategic spots, allowing for the collection of approximately 43,000 tons of packaging annually, or around 2.123 billion units. This includes about 35,000 tons of PET plastic, as well as 8,500 tons of aluminum and steel each year.
Each returned package will yield a refund of 10 cents, according to former Secretary of State for the Environment, Hugo Pires, who served during António Costa’s last term as Prime Minister. Based on this estimate—and considering only packaging up to three liters—this would result in an annual refund total of 213 million euros to consumers. If glass packaging is eventually included in the Unilex system, this amount is estimated to rise to 300 million euros per year, SDR Portugal projects.
Read more from our source here.
5. Long-Term Unemployment in Portugal Surpasses European Average
Data published this Friday by Eurostat reveals that long-term unemployment in the European Union (EU) is at its lowest level since 2009, with a rate of 2.1%. In contrast, Portugal’s long-term unemployment rate exceeds the EU average, reaching 2.5%. “In 2023, the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 to 74 in the EU dropped to 6.1% of the labor force, the lowest since 2004. The long-term unemployment rate as a percentage of the labor force was 2.1% in 2023, marking a historic low since the beginning of the statistical series in 2009,” emphasized the statistics office in a release published this morning.
But there are significant differences among the EU Member States, as shown on the map below. With a long-term unemployment rate of 6.2%, Greece stood out as the country with the most severe situation, followed by Spain (4.3%) and Italy (4.2%). On the other hand, Denmark and the Netherlands recorded a long-term unemployment rate of 0.5%. Also near the bottom of the list were the Czech Republic and Poland, where this rate was 0.8% of the labor force last year. In Portugal, the long-term unemployment rate was 2.5% in 2023, above the EU average. In fact, Portugal had the fifth-highest rate in the European Union, although it remained significantly (in percentage points) below the top of the list.
Read more from our source here.
6. Prozis Builds $20 Million Factory in the U.S. to Produce Snacks and Breakfast Cereals
Prozis, the Portuguese sports nutrition company founded by Miguel Milhão, is set to build a new $20 million factory in the United States. The new facility, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, will produce functional snacks and breakfast cereals. The factory is expected to create 30 jobs, with operations anticipated to start by the end of next year. Miguel Milhão, who has been at the center of public controversy since 2022 due to statements on abortion, noted that the “goal for a facility like this is to generate between $20 and $40 million annually.”
Founded in 2007 in Póvoa de Lanhoso, Prozis has diversified its business beyond sports nutrition, now producing athletic wear for men and women, cosmetics, and electronics. Miguel Milhão, who stepped down from the CEO role several years ago, became widely known two years ago following controversial statements on abortion shared on social media and his podcast, “Conversas do Karalho.” Since then, both Milhão and his business group have gained significant public recognition.
With approximately 1,500 employees and 10 factories in Portugal, Prozis has built a leading position in the sports nutrition market. According to the company’s website, Prozis is Europe’s leader in online sports nutrition sales. In addition to the U.S. expansion, Prozis is pursuing further investments in Portugal, including a new textile factory and additional food production lines set to launch in 2025. “Our investment plan in Portugal continues, with the establishment of a new textile factory and the launch of new food product lines in 2025,” Milhão added, although he deferred to the company’s CEO, Jorge Silva, for further strategic details.
Read more from our source here.
7. Neemias Queta Scores 14 Points in Second Consecutive Start Despite Celtics’ Loss Against the Warriors
A few days after making his first start, Portuguese player Neemias Queta was once again in the Boston Celtics’ starting lineup, although this time his team fell 112-118 to the Golden State Warriors. For the second consecutive game, Queta started for the Celtics, scoring 14 points in the 118-112 home loss to the Warriors in the NBA. Following his debut as an NBA starter in his fourth year in the league, Queta was once again part of the Celtics’ starting five. He contributed 14 points (making six of 11 field goals and two of four free throws), grabbed eight rebounds—five of them offensive, leading the team in this category—and blocked two shots. “Neemias did a great job securing offensive rebounds, giving us extra possessions,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. Taking advantage of Latvian player Kristaps Porzingis’ absence due to injury, the Portuguese center set a new career high with 28:09 minutes on the court and scored the game’s first two points with an alley-oop.
In front of U.S. national team coach Steve Kerr, who kept him on the bench for much of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 32 points, while Derrick White also shone, scoring 26 points. For the Warriors, the standout was the ever-reliable Stephen Curry, who, despite being blocked once by Queta, managed 27 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists. This was the Celtics’ second loss in nine games, putting them in second place in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Warriors, with seven wins and one loss, are third in the Western Conference, tied with the Phoenix Suns (first) and Oklahoma City Thunder (second).
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8. Human Trafficking: Seven Arrested and Four Thousand Identified in Portugal in “Largest Operation Ever Conducted”
On Wednesday, Interpol announced the results of its “largest operation ever” against human trafficking, revealing that among the rescued victims were “minors forced to work on farms in Argentina, migrants in nightclubs in North Macedonia, beggars in Iraq, and domestic workers in the Middle East.” The operation, named “Liberterra II,” took place between September 29 and October 4 across 116 countries and territories. A total of 2,517 people were arrested worldwide, 850 of whom were for trafficking, 3,222 potential victims were rescued, and 17,793 immigrants in irregular situations were identified.
“In Portugal, seven people were arrested—one for human trafficking, another for drug trafficking, three for using counterfeit documents, and two for staying in the country illegally,” the Judiciary Police stated. Additionally, 4,203 people were identified, 23 locations were inspected, and six investigations were opened. The Polícia Judiciária coordinated the operation, which included “three home searches in Sacavém, Sines, and Serpa, five inspection actions (two in the Leiria area and three in the Torres Vedras area),” and was supported by the GNR (National Republican Guard) and PSP (Public Safety Police).
“Human and migrant trafficking is increasingly linked to other forms of crime, often using the same criminal networks and routes,” emphasized the International Criminal Police Organization, explaining that this overlap “amplifies the profits and power of organized criminal groups.”
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9. Costs for New Housing Construction Rise 3.3% Due to Labor Expenses
New housing construction costs in Portugal rose by 3.3% in September 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year, according to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). This increase represents a slight slowdown compared to August, when construction costs recorded an annual rise of 3.8%. “In September 2024, it is estimated that new housing construction costs increased by 3.3% year-on-year, 0.5 percentage points lower than the previous month,” the INE highlighted in its report.
The September increase in construction costs was again driven by a significant rise in labor costs, which grew by 8.5% year-on-year. Meanwhile, material prices showed a slight decrease of 0.6%. According to INE data, labor costs have consistently risen year-on-year since May 2020, reaching their highest increase in January 2023, with a surge of 12.3%. In contrast, material costs have been on a downward trend since May 2022, even entering contraction territory as of April last year, when year-on-year rates turned negative.
Materials with the most negative impact on the overall price variation in September included wood and wood products, other covering materials, insulation and waterproofing, and bitumen, with decreases of around 10%. Conversely, some materials saw significant price increases: “In the opposite direction, notable price increases were observed for limestone and granite tiles, climate control equipment, carpentry, and cement, with year-on-year growth close to 5%,” the INE report noted.
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10. Chega Pushes for Constitutional Revision to Remove 80 Deputies from the Assembly of the Republic
The parliamentary group of Chega announced on Sunday that it will propose reopening the constitutional revision process, aiming to reduce the number of deputies in the Assembly of the Republic from 230 to 150, cutting 80 representatives. The party intends to capitalize on the current “significant right-wing majority” in the Assembly to push for what it calls a “surgical revision” of the Constitution.
According to Chega, the proposal will be developed and finalized this week by the party’s 50 deputies, who plan to submit the revision project to Parliament after the approval of the 2025 State Budget, with work on the constitutional changes set to begin in December. The proposed revisions focus on reforms to the political system, including the structure and composition of governmental bodies, transparency rules, immunity, and competencies. Despite the challenges in finding broad political consensus, the party hopes to achieve agreement among the three largest parties for a “modernizing” constitutional reform. This follows Chega’s earlier attempt in 2021, which was rejected by the majority of other parties in the Assembly.
Read more from our source here.
