By Naseer Ahmad
In a celebration of cultural camaraderie and transnational kinship, H.E. Francisco Duarte Lopes Ambassador of Portugal and his wife Ms. Paula Lopes opened the doors of their residence to host a cultural evening.
Notable guests, including H.E. Ekaterini Nassika, Ambassador of Greece and the Deputy Chief of Mission of Brazil, mingled with luminaries from the Portuguese, infusing the air with warmth and connection. The setting, adorned with captivating blue azulejos that evoked Portugal’s scenic beauty, provided a picturesque backdrop for rich conversations and cultural exchanges.
An highlight of the evening was the presence of Maria Lawton, the beloved host and executive producer of “Maria’s Portuguese Table” on PBS. Firmly rooted in her Portuguese heritage, Maria has been a passionate advocate for preserving and celebrating Portugal’s culinary legacy, especially that of the Azores.
Her cookbooks, Azorean Cooking: From My Family Table to Yours and At My Portuguese Table: Azorean Cooking and More, invite readers on a delightful journey through the nuanced flavors of Portuguese gastronomy. Her PBS series has achieved historic success as the first national TV show to shine a spotlight on Portuguese cuisine and culture, earning accolades such as Telly Awards, Taste Awards, and Emmy nominations.
H.E. Francisco Duarte Lopes Ambassador of Portugal in Washington, DC
The evening included a magical journey to Castelo Branco, the Ambassador’s hometown, steeped in history and resplendent with scenic charm. From the majestic remnants of a medieval castle to the intricate baroque beauty of Jardim do Paço Episcopal, the city dazzles with a unique blend of historical depth and allure. It was as if one embarked on a vibrant tour of Portugal—from the sacred grounds of Fatima to the bustling streets of Lisbon, and the picturesque villages of the Azores and Madeira.
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As tales of culinary delights from Porto Pim, Faial to Câmara de Lobos, one of Madeira’s most visited villages, danced in the air, the guests imagined the delectable treats served in quaint restaurants and cozy bars. The staff of the Portuguese Ambassador served delicious treats and samples of Portuguese wines enabling enlightening conversations.
The evening also offered a moment to reflect on the courage and foresight of leaders like John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts and John O. Pastore of Rhode Island. They took decisive action in the creation and signing of The Azorean Refugees Act of 195, a landmark legislation that altered the course of U.S. immigration policy by offering a compassionate response to a natural disaster.
This act allowed thousands of Azoreans to immigrate to the United States, transcending existing quota limitations. The descendants of these resilient refugees have now become successful U.S. citizens, strengthening the Portuguese diaspora and sharing their rich heritage across this nation of immigrants.
Guests exchanged stories and laughter, savoring dishes inspired by the local gastronomy, renowned for delights such as “Queijo Amarelo da Beira Baixa.” The impeccable organization by the Ambassador’s team ensured that this memorable event was a grand success.
In summary, these gatherings, both in Portugal and the U.S., exemplify the rich tapestry of cultural diplomacy, echoing a global narrative of unity, heritage, and shared futures. These events are not just celebrations; they are eloquent reminders of the enduring power of cultural exchanges in building bridges across the world.
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C. Naseer Ahmad is a Washington based writer. His articles have been published in the Washington Post, the Washington Star, the Orlando Sentinel, the Diplomatic Courier, the Washington Diplomat, the Washington Jewish Weekly, the Eastern Times and the Astana Times. Ahmad has also worked to protect the human rights of religious minorities of different faiths across the world. He has worked for the World Bank in Africa, in Egypt for US Agency for International Development and with NASA on the Space Shuttle and Space Station Programs as a consultant. In addition he has worked on a variety of projects for other governmental entities and the private sector.
