On June 9, 2025, the California State Assembly and Senate jointly honored the Portuguese-American community by adopting Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR 91) introduced on May 29, 2025, by Assembly member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry.
The resolution officially proclaims June as Portuguese Heritage Month, recognizes June 10 as the Day of Portugal, and designates June 9 as the Day of the Azores. The California Portuguese‑American Coalition publicly thanked both the Assembly and Senate for adopting the resolution.
After its adoption in the Assembly, the resolution advanced to the Senate, where on June 10, 2025, it was passed in committee and scheduled for full chamber consideration.
June 10 marks the Day of Portugal, a national holiday commemorating the death of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s most revered poet, and honoring Portuguese language and culture. June 9 celebrates the Day of the Azores, paying tribute to the heritage of the Azorean archipelago — the birthplace of many Portuguese immigrants in California.
The measure also celebrates June as Portuguese Heritage Month, honoring the Portuguese-American community’s enduring contributions to California’s development, culture, and civic life as it acknowledges the community’s historical significance, cultural legacy, and increasing civic engagement throughout the state.
Portuguese-Americans are increasingly represented in public service, such as
Assembly member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D), State Senator Henry Stern (D), Congressman Jim Costa (D), Congressman David Valadão (R), and Congressman Eric Swalwell (D), including local mayors, city council members, and school board trustees.
Portuguese immigration to California began in the 19th century, particularly from the Azores. Settling in coastal and agricultural regions such as the Central Valley, San Joaquin Valley, and the Bay Area, Portuguese immigrants became integral to the growth of the state’s dairy industry, fishing, and farming sectors.
Today, California is home to the second-largest Portuguese-American population in the United States, following Massachusetts. An estimated 350,000 to 370,000 Californians claim Portuguese ancestry. Many trace their roots to Azorean islands, including Terceira, São Jorge, Faial, and Pico.
According to the most recent available data from the US Census Bureau (American Community Survey), there are approximately 1.4 million people in the United States who identify as Portuguese or Portuguese-American.
California State Assembly and Senate Resolution (ACR 91)
PAJ/Staff
