of this factory, but also the path of its working community, living in that which is one of the biggest, oldest and still-working European industrial neighbourhoods, almost a mini-city, where there is a lot to learn and to live. Along with this relevant intangible heritage are the Cardadores, iconic figures from Vale de Ilhavo's traditional Carnival. Such a lifestyle, from each one of the communities of this polycentric territory, is taken out from the gardens, streets and alleys into the cultural equipments… the “Casa da Cultura” is a second home for spectators and artists, a place to welcome the world, the “Fábrica das Ideias”, just as the industrial city where it is settled – Gafanha da Nazaré – produces and exports art, by being at the service of artistic creation. The “Laboratório das Artes - Vista Alegre Theatre” is a space aimed at thinking, research and experiment, by welcoming the most erudite cultural events, either classical or contemporary. Finally, “Cais Criativo” is a young and effervescent space in the summer, relaxing, just as the beach where it is located – Costa Nova, and introspective and inspiring during the winter. Sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, canoeing or diving, apart from major water sports and other sport varieties, are the motivational poster of the estuary and the sea, natural amphitheatres for water sports, at a Municipality where bikes, hiking or sport practice at the various public fields, are part of leisure activities, which also includes relaxing at the charismatic beaches of Barra and Costa Nova. Demographics International relations Twin towns - sister cities Ílhavo is twinned with: Funchal, Portugal Grindavík, Iceland Ihtiman, Bulgaria New Bedford, United States Newark, United States Paraty, Brazil Cabo Frio, Brazil St. John's, Canada Friendship Cuxhaven, Germany Notable people Tomé de Barros Queirós (1872–1925) a Portuguese businessman and politician in the First Portuguese Republic Mário Sacramento (1920–1969) a Portuguese physician and essayist, antifascist activist António Bagão Félix (born 1948) a Portuguese economist and politician. Maria Rebelo (born 1956) a retired female marathon runner, competed in two summer Olympics References External links Municipality official website Municipalities of Aveiro District