Trafaria’s Memórias vivas (Living Memories), Lisbon, Portugal

This paper explores the regeneration of Trafaria, a historical fishing village near Lisbon, Portugal. The area is undergoing significant change, affecting its 6,000 residents, many of whom are immigrants from former Portuguese colonies. Central to this urban regeneration is the Antigo Presídio da Trafaria, a 16th-century Lazaretto repurposed from its previous use as a prison into a cultural hub. Amid challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, gentrification, and overtourism, participatory practices, walkscapes, slam poetry, podcasts, and fado performances, have fostered connections with residents. Activities prioritised embedded, ongoing collaboration, slowly building trust through situated cultural practices that amplified intangible heritage and collective voices. The study worked across generations to promote inclusivity, strengthen local identity, and align cultural expression with broader urban regeneration efforts. This paper examines the intersection of intangible heritage, community engagement, and socio-economic challenges, highlighting how participatory cultural practices can enhance resilience and reimagine a sense of place amidst rapid change.