CPAC celebrates Portugal Day, Azores Day, and Portuguese Heritage Month in California
The California Portuguese-American Coalition (CPAC) proudly joins Portuguese-Americans throughout the state in celebrating Portuguese Heritage Month, officially recognized by the California Legislature through Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 185. The resolution also recognizes June 10 as the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities, and May 25 as Azores Day.
Introduced by Assembly member Alexandra Macedo (District 33) and Assembly member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (District 4), ACR 185 honors the historic and ongoing contributions of Portuguese-Americans to California’s economy, agriculture, education, culture, and civic life.
The resolution acknowledges that Portuguese presence in California predates statehood and highlights the significant role played by immigrants from the Azores and Madeira in developing California’s dairy industry, agriculture, fisheries, and businesses. Today, California is home to more than 350,000 residents of Portuguese ancestry, approximately 90 percent of whom trace their roots to the Azores.
During the Assembly presentation, Assembly member Alexandra Macedo proudly reflected on her Terceira roots and the generations of Portuguese-Americans whose hard work helped build modern California. She highlighted the community’s leadership in agriculture and dairy production and emphasized the enduring importance of the Holy Ghost Festas as one of California’s most vibrant Portuguese traditions.
Assembly member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry described the Portuguese experience in California as a story of hard work, faith, family, and community. She noted the community’s contributions over more than two centuries, from the whaling industry in Monterey and tuna fishing in San Diego to education, public service, business, and the arts. CPAC also appreciates the strong support expressed by the California Legislative Hispanic Caucus through Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, who spoke in favor of the resolution on behalf of the caucus.
In the California Senate, Senator Henry Stern once again recognized the contributions of Portuguese-Americans and reflected on his own Azorean heritage. Senator Stern has consistently supported Portuguese Heritage Month and has emphasized the importance of continued civic engagement and political participation within the Portuguese-American community.
State Senator Steve Padilla, who also proudly traces his roots to the Portuguese community, was unable to attend due to health reasons but expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the many contributions Portuguese-Americans have made to California’s history and development.
The resolution further recognizes the work of numerous cultural, educational, and community institutions, including Portuguese fraternal organizations, Portuguese language programs, the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute at California State University, Fresno, the Portuguese Historical Museum, Bruma Publications, Portuguese-language media, and many community organizations throughout the state.
For CPAC, this recognition is more than a symbolic celebration. It is an affirmation of the Portuguese-American community’s historic role in California and a reminder of the importance of preserving language, culture, history, and civic participation for future generations.
“While we celebrate the achievements of those who came before us, we also recognize our responsibility to continue building the future of the Portuguese-American community in California. Their legacy of hard work, perseverance, service, and community remains an inspiration for generations to come,” stated CPAC leadership.
Approximately thirty representatives from Portuguese-American organizations attended the legislative presentations.
Also present in both chambers were the Consul General of Portugal in San Francisco, Filipe Ramalheira, and representatives of the California Portuguese-American Coalition.
