Paper short abstract:

Cova da Moura is a neighbourhood built by its own residents, a poor, migrant and multiethnic population, on the outskirts of Lisbon, using mutual aid practices, that generates a strong sense of belonging, as well as resistance to its demolition and to expulsion, exclusion and violence.

Paper long abstract:

Alto da Cova da Moura is a neighbourhood built by its own residents, a poor, migrant and multiethnic population mostly of African origin or descent, on the outskirts of Lisbon, using mutual aid practices which resulted in a strong and active associative network that resists demolition, relocation and expulsion. It's a highly mediatized space, and the subject of hybrid discourses that either stigmatize or rehabilitate it. It is also a touristic area, where guided tours are held. Kola San Jon, a Cape Verdean event held annually has recently become Portugal's cultural heritage. It as also become an important centre for blackness in the metropolitan area of Lisbon. The neighbourhood has been greatly intervened aiming its urbanistic rehabilitation, and was recently the subject of a state initiative for socio-spatial qualification, which was subsequently suspended. Despite the enormous interest that this neighbourhood has sparked, especially in academic and artistic circles, it remains at risk of demolition and its population at risk of expulsion, and also at risk of exclusion and violence from the police. This paper focuses therefore on the political, social, economic, cultural and symbolic interactions held between the Bairro do Alto da Cova da Moura (and its residents), and the various areas of the metropolitan area of Lisbon, seeking to discuss their different integration strategies in society as well as the marginalization traits as they are perceived from inside the neighbourhood, as well as from outside.