| Item Name | Start Time | Duration | Webcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40th Annual Heritage Day of Portugal | 6/11/2024 10:30 AM | 02:24:36 |
REPRESENTATIVE CABRAL AND SENATOR PACHECO ANNOUNCE 40th ANNUAL HERITAGE DAY OF PORTUGAL
BOSTON— Dean of the Senate Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton) and State Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral (D-New Bedford), co-chairmen of the Portuguese American Legislative Caucus (PALC), are pleased to announce that the 40th annual Heritage Day of Portugal will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Massachusetts State House in the House of Representatives Chamber.
The statewide event recognizes individuals in Portuguese-speaking communities who help to preserve their cultural traditions while giving back to their communities and encouraging future generations to appreciate and love their heritage. For the 40th annual celebration, the Portuguese American Legislative Caucus Guest of Honor and keynote speaker will be Mayor Pedro Nascimento Cabral, Mayor of the City of Ponta Delgada, Azores.
“I am pleased to again host the Heritage Day of Portugal at the State House and recognize the many contributions of the Portuguese-speaking community here in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Pacheco. “For 40 years, this day has served as a reminder and celebration of the impacts these nominees make on their communities each and every day, and the importance of the Portuguese-American community in the United States and here in Massachusetts.”
"Heritage Day of Portugal is an opportunity to celebrate our heritage and the contributions of the Portuguese-speaking community in Massachusetts," said Representative Cabral. “It’s incredible to think that we have been able to honor Portuguese-speaking leaders for 40 years. It is an honor to celebrate our heritage by recognizing the contributions of each awardee and to welcome Mayor Pedro Nascimento Cabral, Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Azores.”
Members of PALC and other legislators from heavily Portuguese-speaking districts nominate individuals of Lusophone descent whose contributions to their community are worthy of recognition.
Senator Pacheco has nominated Deborah Almeida Araujo and Paul Ferreira, both of whom are from Taunton.
Araujo has worked for the non-profit Citizens for Citizens Inc. for nearly five decades in numerous capacities, including in her current role as Community Resource Director for Greater Taunton and as organizer of CFC's Operation Christmas Toy Distribution, which provides gifts for more than 2,500 needy children in the greater Taunton area. Araujo is also an inaugural member of the Taunton Emergency Task Force, which provides emergency resources to individuals and families facing dangers to their health, safety, and social wellbeing.
Ferreira, who immigrated to the United States when he was 11 years old, has long been active in the Taunton community as President of the Taunton Sports Soccer Club, President of the Taunton Area Day of Portugal Committee, Chair of the Membership Committee of the Prince Henry Society of Taunton, a member of the Executive Board of the Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, and Sponsor of the Madeira Feast in New Bedford. Ferreira also volunteers at local Holy Ghost Feasts, food pantries, and homeless shelters.
“I am proud to announce Deborah and Paul as my nominees for recognition during the Heritage Day of Portugal,” said Senator Pacheco. “The contributions these two individuals have made in Taunton and greater-Taunton over the course of decades have been immeasurable, and I am honored to present them as my nominees. It is also an honor to welcome Mayor Pedro Nascimento Cabral, Mayor of the City of Ponta Delgada, Azores, as our guest of honor and keynote speaker for the 40th edition of this event.”
Representative Cabral has nominated “Os Capitalistas” a five-member Portuguese-American band that will be celebrating 50 years of performing. They have performed all over Massachusetts and New England, and they have toured in the Azores. The longevity and success of “Os Capitalistas” make them an excellent example of promoters of Portuguese language and culture.
For more information about this year’s Heritage Day of Portugal, contact Sen. Pacheco’s office at (617) 722-1551 or Rep. Cabral’s office at (617) 722-2017.