The Portuguese-American community gathered in New Bedford (MA) on Sunday, July 19, to participate in the Atlantic Celebration Day, marking America’s 250th anniversary of its independence and the longstanding friendship between Portugal and the United States.
The initiative was sponsored by the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), whose president, José Manuel Durão Barroso, addressed participants, emphasizing the historic friendship between Portugal and the United States. “Today’s celebration reminds us that the Atlantic Ocean has never separated Portugal and the United States—it has connected us,” said Durão Barroso.
“For centuries, Portuguese immigrants and their descendants have helped build communities across America while preserving a rich cultural heritage. Atlantic Celebration Day honors that shared history and the friendships that continue to strengthen our two nations,” he added.
The NRP Sagres, the Portuguese Navy’s iconic three-masted training ship, added a powerful symbolic dimension to Atlantic Celebration Day, arriving in the city on July 19. The vessel served as a visible reminder of Portugal’s centuries-old maritime heritage and its enduring friendship with the United States.
Escorted into New Bedford Harbor by the city’s traditional Azorean whaleboats and the historic schooner Ernestina-Morrissey, the NRP Sagres received a ceremonial welcome before opening its decks to thousands of visitors.
The NRP Sagres arrived in New Bedford after a successful visit to Boston’s Fish Pier from July 11 to July 16 as part of the national Sail250® celebrations. The vessel is now berthed in New Bedford through July 23, open to visitors. The ship’s officers participated in cultural and educational events, including a special program at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The NRP Sagres last visited New Bedford and Boston harbors in July 2015.
The celebration served as a reminder that the relationship between Portugal and the United States has been strengthened by generations of people who have carried their traditions across the ocean while contributing to both societies.
“As the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, we also celebrate a friendship that continues to grow stronger through people-to-people connections. The Atlantic is not a distance—it is a bridge built by generations of shared stories, traditions, and mutual respect. We are grateful to everyone who joined us in making this celebration such a memorable success,” said Durão Barroso.
Hundreds of participants also cheered the FIFA World Cup Final, while enjoying traditional Portuguese food and hospitality. The festivities included a performance by renowned Portuguese singer António Zambujo. The event, which featured an atmosphere of unity and pride, brought together community politicians and leaders as well as visitors from abroad and across the region.
The NRP Sagres’ presence at the Atlantic Celebration Day embodied Portugal’s seafaring legacy, the spirit of exploration that connected continents, and the generations of immigrants who crossed the Atlantic to build new lives while preserving their cultural identity.
The NRP Sagres has been a school ship of the Portuguese Navy since 1961. As the third ship with this name in the Portuguese Navy, she is sometimes referred to as Sagres III.
PAJ/Staff
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