Portuguese American Journal

29/07/2025

CONGRATULATIONS!

Alyssa Botelho, 21, a 2021 graduate of the University of Rhode Island and native of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Award for the 2025–2026 academic cycle. Botelho is known for her award-winning short films, such as "Sweet Freedom," a historical drama about abolitionist Polly Johnson, and To Dust All Return, which explores the aftermath of the Salem witch trials.

Botelho received the Fulbright/Açores Government Open Study/Research Award, which will support her residency and research on São Miguel Island in the Azores from October 2025 through May 2026. During this time, she will write a feature-length historical-fiction screenplay set in Ponta Delgada, drawing from the Azores' rich heritage, including the island’s whaling past, its strategic WWII relevance, and evolving Azorean-American identity.

This Fulbright opportunity allows Botelho to collaborate with local historians and cultural experts, including Ponta Delgada Councilman Sérgio Rezendes, to ensure the accuracy and resonance of her script. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, supports students in over 140 countries through research, study, and cultural exchange, and Botelho’s selection highlights the growing impact of Portuguese-American voices in global storytelling.

27/07/2025

CONGRATULATIONS!

Portuguese canoeists Gustavo Gonçalves and Pedro Casinha are U23 world champions in the men’s K2 500 meters at the 2025 ICF Junior & U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships, held in Montemor-o-Velho, Portugal. Competing on home waters, the young duo delivered a standout performance on July 27, finishing first with a time of 1:33.12, ahead of top contenders from Germany and Hungary.

This gold medal marks a major international milestone for both athletes, solidifying their status as rising stars in global canoe sprint competition. In addition to their U23 world title, both Gonçalves and Casinha were part of the Portuguese crew that captured gold in the K4 500 meters at the 2025 European Canoe Sprint Championships in Račice, alongside João Ribeiro and Messias Baptista.

These victories are especially relevant as Portugal positions itself for strong representation at future Olympic Games, including Los Angeles 2028.

27/07/2025

TODAY IN HISTORY!

António de Oliveira Salazar (1889-1970), Prime Minister of Portugal, died on this day in 1970 at the age of 81. A central figure in 20th-century Portuguese politics, Salazar governed the country from 1932 to 1968 under the Estado Novo (New State), a corporatist and authoritarian regime he designed. His rule was marked by strict censorship, political repression, and an emphasis on conservative Catholic values.

Salazar's downfall came after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage in 1968, which incapacitated him and led to his quiet removal from power by President Américo Tomás. Remarkably, Salazar was never officially informed of his dismissal and continued to believe he remained Prime Minister until his death two years later.

Though revered by some for keeping Portugal out of World War II and preserving national unity during tumultuous times, Salazar remains a deeply polarizing figure. His legacy is inseparable from the Estado Novo’s prolonged colonial wars in Africa, resistance to democratic reform, and suppression of civil liberties.
https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ant%C3%B3nio_de_Oliveira_Salazar

26/07/2025

As the August 1 deadline for a possible tariff escalation approaches, the conversation between Secretary Rubio and Minister Rangel underscores the strategic alignment between Portugal and the United States.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, reaffirming the strength of the U.S.-Portugal relationship and ways to deepen bilateral cooperation. The high-level exchange, on Thursday,

26/07/2025

BELIEVE IT OR NOT!

A SATA Azores Airlines flight traveling from Ponta Delgada, Azores, to Bilbao, Spain, was forced to make an emergency landing at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport on Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a bomb threat was reported onboard. The aircraft took off at 09:46 local time and landed safely in Lisbon at 12:49. Emergency services, including firefighters and civil protection teams, were immediately mobilized and positioned on the runway as a precaution.

Following the landing, all passengers were evacuated, and a thorough search of the aircraft and luggage was conducted by security forces. No explosives or dangerous materials were found, confirming that the threat had been false. Two passengers were detained by Portuguese authorities on suspicion of being responsible for communicating the hoax, and an investigation into their motives is underway.

SATA issued a statement ensuring the safety of all passengers and affirming its cooperation with authorities. The airline also said it was working to rebook or assist affected travelers. The incident caused temporary delays at Lisbon airport, but no injuries were reported. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the detained passengers, and legal proceedings may follow pending the outcome of the investigation.

Azores Airlines (also known as SATA Internacional) flies internationally, including routes in North America, with destinations like Boston, Newark, Philadelphia, and Toronto.

26/07/2025

DID YOU KNOW?

Portugal has taken a pioneering step in women’s health and labor rights by introducing paid menstrual leave for individuals diagnosed with endometriosis or adenomyosis. Enacted under Law No. 32/2025, the legislation allows workers to take up to three consecutive paid days off per month when suffering from incapacitating menstrual pain without loss of pay, seniority, or other employment rights.

In addition to workplace leave, the law also strengthens the role of Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS) in managing these chronic conditions. It mandates public coverage for essential diagnostic procedures, ensures access to subsidized medications, and extends fertility preservation services—such as egg freezing—for women affected by endometriosis or adenomyosis.

While widely praised, some legal scholars also caution that emphasizing menstrual-related leave could reinforce stigmas or hiring discrimination against women. Nevertheless, the law is seen as a progressive benchmark in Europe, acknowledging menstrual health as a legitimate component of workplace equity and public health.

25/07/2025

The scheduled work stoppages will impact key Portuguese aviation hubs, including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, Porto Santo, and airports in the Azores.

Travelers flying to, from, or within Portugal this summer are being urged to prepare for potential delays and disruptions due to a new series of strike actions announced by ground-handling staff at all major Portuguese

22/07/2025

Following a strong reaction from the public, including elected officials and longtime library users, the community will keep fighting to preserve Casa da Saudade Library.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell has officially reversed course on plans to close the Casa da Saudade Library, confirming that the culturally significant branch will remain open with a renewed focus on its Portuguese-language collection

20/07/2025

SAVE THE DATE!

WHEN: July 31 through August 3 | All-day event
WHERE: Madeira Field, New Bedford, MA
EVENT: Recognized as the largest Portuguese diaspora festival in the world, gathering thousands of people, the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford, Massachusetts, returns this summer for its 109th edition. running from Thursday, July 31, through Sunday, August 3, 2025. This celebration honors the traditions, food, faith, and music of the Portuguese, especially from the island of Madeira. Offering a mix of live bands, DJs, folklore dance groups, and traditional fado performances at the Madeiran Heritage Café, visitors can also enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine, Madeira wine straight from the barrel. All entertainment and admission are free. The four-day celebration features a children's carnival, museum exhibits, cultural presentations, and a grand Sunday parade (August 3 at 2 PM), which stretches from Brooklawn Park down Acushnet Avenue to Madeira Field. The parade features marching bands, folklore groups, floats, and traditional Madeiran symbols, making it one of the weekend's highlights.
Follow @ https://feastoftheblessedsacrament.com/
Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/FeastOfTheBlessedSacrament/

19/07/2025

An accessible portrait of an important artist, The Haunted Cinema of Pedro Costa is an indispensable companion for scholars, students, and cinephiles everywhere.

For over three decades, Portuguese director Pedro Costa has been widely admired for his unusual and innovative body of work, which has earned accolades and wide acclaim. The Haunted Cinema of Pedro Costa is the

18/07/2025

This project reflects the Azores' strategic geographic position between Europe and North America and will position the Azores as a vital mid-Atlantic node in Google’s global data network.

Google has confirmed it will establish a major telecommunications infrastructure facility at the Tecnoparque da Lagoa, on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. The new development will house a cable landing station (CLS)

18/07/2025

HALL OF FAME! CONGRATULATIONS!

Wolverhampton Wanderers have inducted Diogo Jota into their prestigious Hall of Fame, honoring the Portuguese forward’s lasting legacy at the club. The decision, announced in mid-July 2025, came just weeks after Jota and his brother André tragically lost their lives in a car accident on July 3.

Jota first joined Wolves on loan from Atlético Madrid in 2017 and quickly became a fan favorite, contributing 17 goals to the team's promotion to the Premier League in the Championship. After signing permanently, he continued to shine, scoring a total of 44 goals in 131 appearances and playing a key role in Wolves' impressive performances in both domestic and European competitions. His creativity, tenacity, and humility on and off the field left a profound impact on the club and its supporters.

Wolves plan to formally celebrate Jota’s induction during upcoming events, including a tribute at their preseason match against Celta Vigo and their Premier League opener against Manchester City. The club also intends to commemorate his legacy at the next Hall of Fame dinner. This tribute reflects the depth of emotion felt across the football community and ensures that Diogo Jota’s contributions to Wolverhampton will be remembered for generations.