175th Anniversary Event To Be Held On June 29th

The 175th Anniversary Commemorations Committee announced a community event at the Casa dos Açores on June 29, 2024, to celebrate 175 years of Portuguese immigration to Bermuda.

A spokesperson said, “The 175th Anniversary Commemorations Committee is delighted to announce a highly anticipated community event on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Casa dos Açores community center. This significant occasion is part of a year-long series of initiatives commemorating the 175th anniversary of the first Portuguese immigrants’ arrival in Bermuda.

“The festivities will commence at 3 PM and continue until midnight, offering an extensive array of activities designed to celebrate Portuguese culture and heritage. The Casa dos Açores community center, located at 1 North Short Road, Pembroke, will host the event. Admission is free, ensuring accessibility for all members of the public. A Free Kids Zone will be operational from 3 PM to 6 PM, and a variety of culinary delights will be available for purchase throughout the day.

“Attendees will be treated to captivating performances by local talent, including the esteemed Vasco da Gama Folklore Group and the enchanting Caroline Araujo. Making their inaugural appearance in Bermuda, the ‘Passos da Bruma’ Folklore Group from the Azores will present an array of traditional songs and dances, offering a cultural feast for all present.

“A highlight of the event will be the traditional ‘Cantares ao Desafio’ performed by Carlos Sousa, Jose Pimentel, Helder Pereira, and Luis Bettencourt, all visiting from the Azores. This cherished Azorean tradition features an improvised poetic duel between two singers, each inspired by and responding to the other’s verses.

“Concluding the evening’s entertainment, Canadian-Portuguese artists Tony Camara and Mike Da Silva will deliver dynamic, contemporary performances, adding an up-tempo flair to the celebrations. The event promises an eclectic mix of musical styles, ensuring a memorable experience for all tastes.”

Andrea Moniz-DeSouza, Honorary Portuguese Consul and chair of the committee, expressed her enthusiasm, “This event promises to be a joyous occasion for all, offering a vibrant celebration of Azorean culture. The 175th anniversary commemorations encompass many solemn events, and we felt it essential to include an accessible and engaging celebration for everyone.

“We are particularly excited to announce the forthcoming release of a commemorative book on November 4, 2024, the official anniversary date. Authored by Eduardo Medeiros and commissioned by the Azorean Emigrant Association [AEA], this publication will chronicle the 175-year history of the Portuguese community in Bermuda. The AEA, a non-profit organization based in the Azores, facilitates cultural exchanges and provides support to Azorean emigrants and their descendants globally. This collaborative effort between the 175th Commemorations Committee and the AEA underscores our commitment to preserving and documenting our rich heritage.”

The spokesperson said, “The Vasco da Gama Folklore Group, founded in January 1979, has a storied history of performances, including appearances at the Agricultural Exhibition, the inaugural Bermuda Day Parade, the Holy Spirit Festival in Fall River, MA, a military tattoo in West Virginia, and a prestigious performance for Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

“Founded in 2007, the Passos da Bruma Folklore Group hails from Ponta Delgada on São Miguel island in the Azores. Comprising 23 dedicated members, the group is renowned for its spirited camaraderie and dedication to promoting Azorean culture. Their impressive performance history includes regional festivals such as the Livramento Festival, Azaleas Festival, Ilha Verde Festival, Santa Barbara Festival, and the Fajã de Baixo Folklore Festival. Internationally, they have graced the Gravataí festival in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, among other prestigious events.

“We warmly invite the entire Bermuda community to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion, honoring 175 years of Portuguese emigration and cultural enrichment in Bermuda.”

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