Portuguese American Journal

Portuguese American Journal

Featured Stories
1976-2026 | Azores celebrate 50 Years of Constitutional Autonomy Book | Bag of Kisses | By Melanie Pereira April 25th |  “Dia da Liberdade” celebrated nationwide and across the diaspora Community | Justice Department moves to revoke citizenship for naturalized immigrants Honor | Writer João Pedro Vala recipient of the PEN/O. Henry Award
 

1976-2026 | Azores celebrate 50 Years of Constitutional Autonomy – Azores 

The Autonomous Region of the Azores is preparing for a historic year of celebrations in 2026 to mark the 50th anniversary of its Constitutional Autonomy. This milestone underscores five decades of self-governance, regional identity, and transatlantic connection.  The commemorations will culminate on September 8, 2026, marking the formal implementation of autonomy under the Constitution of […]

Book | Bag of Kisses | By Melanie Pereira – Editor’s Note

For a little girl whose daddy is a fisherman in the #1 fishing port in the world, goodbyes are never easy. But before he leaves for sea, her parents share a special secret―a magical bag of kisses that keeps their love close, no matter how far the waves carry him. As the days pass and […]

April 25th |  “Dia da Liberdade” celebrated nationwide and across the diaspora – Portugal

The Portuguese nation commemorates today the 52nd anniversary of the Carnation Revolution transition to democracy, with a nationwide program of official ceremonies, public demonstrations, and cultural events. The celebrations expanded abroad, connecting the country to its global diaspora, particularly in the United States. At the center of the national commemorations will be the traditional formal […]

Community | Justice Department moves to revoke citizenship for naturalized immigrants – Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Department of Justice is moving to accelerate efforts to revoke the citizenship of certain naturalized Americans, targeting cases where individuals are suspected of having obtained citizenship through fraud or misrepresentation. Citizenship is considered one of the most secure legal statuses in the United States. Therefore, the overall impact of such measures is likely […]

Honor | Writer João Pedro Vala recipient of the PEN/O. Henry Award – New York, NY

Portuguese writer João Pedro Vala has been awarded a prestigious PEN/O. Henry Award for his short story “Inês,” a recognition widely regarded as one of the highest honors in English-language short fiction. The first Portuguese author to receive that distinction, his short story ‘Inês’ was selected for inclusion in the PEN/O. Henry Prize Stories anthology. […]

COVID’19 – Faith, facts and fears – Commentary  

11 April 2020

By Len Port During Easter, people of faith will be among those supporting the COVID-19 emergency measures imposed by politicians on the advice of scientists. All places of worship in Portugal will remain closed at least until April 17 – and longer should the present state of emergency be extended.  Catholics, by far the largest […]

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Posted in Azores, Community, Featured, Heritage, Madeira, Organizations, People, Portugal, Religion, World

Travel: Portuguese passport makes top 10 – Henley&Partners

10 April 2020

After the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic, the Portuguese passport moved up one place in the list of the most powerful in the world, to occupy the sixth position, which means that it is issued without a visa in 186 countries. Currently, entry restrictions in several countries and the end of some air routes have […]

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Posted in Community, Featured, Organizations, People, Portugal, Travel

Pandemic: Is the coronavirus tide turning in Portugal? – Update

05 April 2020

By Len Port “This month is decisive for us to be able to control the pandemic,” said Portugal’s Prime Minister António Costa as the state of emergency regulations aimed at limiting the spread of the virus was extended for 15 days to April 17. During Easter – Thursday 9 to Monday 13 – it is […]

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Posted in Featured, Heritage, People, Portugal, World

Pandemic: All direct flights between Portugal and USA suspended – Update

31 March 2020

Beginning April 1, until further notice, there will be no more direct flights between the United States and Portugal, as part of the effort to fight the spread of the COVID19 pandemic. US citizens who are considering returning to the United States, and those in the United States who wish to return to Portugal, are […]

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Posted in Azores, Community, Featured, Madeira, Organizations, Portugal, World

Heritage: Sue Fagalde Lick takes readers on her journey – Interview

28 March 2020

By Millicent Borges Accardi Sue Fagalde Lick, a writer and musician, is a descendant of immigrants from the Azores Islands who spent many years in the newspaper business in California’s Bay Area. Her poetry has appeared in Rattle, The MacGuffin, New Letters, and other publications. Her chapbook Gravel Road Ahead was published in 2019 by […]

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Posted in Arts&Culture, Azores, Books, Community, Faial, Featured, Heritage, Interviews, People, Pico, Portugal, São Miguel, Terceira, Travel

Book: ‘African Kings and Black Slaves’ by Herman L. Bennett – Editor’s Note

24 March 2020

As early as 1441, and well before other European countries encountered Africa, small Portuguese and Spanish trading vessels were plying the coast of West Africa, where they conducted business with African kingdoms that possessed significant territory and power. In the process, Iberians developed an understanding of Africa’s political landscape in which they recognized specific sovereigns, […]

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Posted in Arts&Culture, Books, Featured, Heritage, People, Portugal, World