Portugal hosts culmination of year-long Diamond Jubilee Celebration.
Lisbon, Portugal, 6 July 218 - His Highness the Aga Khan arrived in Portugal today for a visit commemorating his Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of leadership as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the world’s Shia Ismaili Muslim community. This visit, at the invitation of the Portuguese Government, represents the culmination of celebrations that have been undertaken worldwide since 11 July 2017 - 60 years to the day that he acceded to the office of the Ismaili Imamat in 1957 at the age of 20 years.
Over 40,000 people from the global Ismaili community will gather in Lisbon over the next week to commemorate this special occasion and to celebrate the Aga Khan’s commitment towards uplifting the lives of thousands of vulnerable communities, and promoting the values of peace and pluralism. Activities will include Jubilee concerts featuring world-renowned performers as well as artists from the Aga Khan Music Initiative; exhibitions; an international talent showcase featuring Ismailis from around the world; an international art gallery; a film festival, and a series of other celebrations.
