Portuguese American Journal

Portuguese American Journal

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Social Media | Parliament proposes bill requiring parental consent for minors Update | Persistent severe downpouring forces evacuations Election’26 | Diaspora vote count shows strong support for André Ventura Book | An Azorean Family Election’26 | Socialist António José Seguro wins presidency
 

Social Media | Parliament proposes bill requiring parental consent for minors – Portugal

Portugal’s parliament has approved legislation that would restrict minors’ access to social media platforms by requiring parental authorization for users under the age of 16, making it one of Europe’s most concrete legislative steps toward regulating youth activity online. The proposal, introduced by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), mandates explicit, verified parental consent for minors […]

Update | Persistent severe downpouring forces evacuations – Portugal

Heavy and persistent rainfall continues to affect mainland Portugal as successive Atlantic systems prolong saturated ground conditions and heighten flood risk across several regions, forcing evacuations. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro described the extreme weather episodes as a “devastating crisis” affecting communities across the country while emphasizing that emergency coordination and recovery efforts continue nationwide. Mário […]

Election’26 | Diaspora vote count shows strong support for André Ventura – Portugal

Portugal’s presidential runoff election provisional vote count indicates that Chega candidate André Ventura secured the largest share of votes cast by Portuguese citizens living abroad. As final counts are still being compiled from abroad, Ventura has received approximately 51.88% of the diaspora vote, compared with 48.12% for Seguro. These figures reflect global voting and remain […]

Book | An Azorean Family’s History: Our Faria and Moitoso Roots | By Keith Tavares – Editor’s Note

Genealogical research is a journey into the past, uncovering the stories and connections that define our heritage. For Keith Daniel Tavares, this journey explored his Faria and Moitoso ancestors, unearthing the rich history and legacy that has shaped his family. An Azorean Family’s History delves into the significant findings of Keith Tavares’ genealogical research, highlighting […]

Election’26 | Socialist António José Seguro wins presidency – Portugal

Socialist António José Seguro was elected President of Portugal today, in a second-round runoff election, winning about 66–67% of the vote against far-right populist Chega candidate André Ventura with about 33–34% – according to near-final ballots counted. The national tally is not yet fully closed, as some precincts and consular votes remain to be counted. […]

Community | Port Wine Fest returns to the United States in Fall 2025 – Portugal

22 August 2025

The third edition of Port Wine Fest is set to take place in the United States in Fall 2025, with stops in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample rare vintages, explore new labels, and discover the versatility of Port in cocktails and gastronomy. The festival will once […]

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Posted in Community, Featured, Food & Wine, Heritage, Organizations, People, Portugal, World

Calamity | Devastating wildfires spreading across central and northern regions – Portugal

18 August 2025

Portugal is facing one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in recent years, with more than 172,000 hectares burned nationwide. In just four days between August 14 and 17, nearly 96,200 hectares were lost, surpassing the total area scorched in 2023.  The Central region has been the hardest hit, particularly in the districts of Castelo […]

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Posted in Featured, Portugal

Science | Santa Maria hosting “Astronaut for a Day” initiative – Azores

18 August 2025

From September 18 to 21, 2025, the Portuguese Space Agency will host the third edition of its “Astronaut for a Day” initiative, offering participants the opportunity to experience parabolic flights that simulate the sensation of microgravity. Accordingly, 30 young people from across Portugal will have the rare opportunity to experience life as astronauts. Hosting the […]

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Posted in Azores, Featured, Organizations, People, Portugal, Santa Maria, World

Terceira | 39th International Folk Azores Festival – Azores 

12 August 2025

The 39th International Folklore Festival of the Azores (Folk Azores) is underway from August 10 to 17, 2025, transforming Terceira Island into a living stage of global cultural heritage. Recognized as Portugal’s largest international folklore festival, Folk Azores fosters cross-cultural dialogue while celebrating the living traditions of the Azores. Organized by COFIT (Comité Organizador de […]

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Posted in Azores, Community, Featured, Heritage, Organizations, People, Portugal, Uncategorized, World

Azores | Exhibit at the Osaka-Kansai 2025 World Expo – Japan

12 August 2025

The Autonomous Region of the Azores will be present at the Osaka-Kansai 2025 World Expo in Japan from August 14 to 17. The Azores will be represented in the Portuguese Pavilion with the theme “Between Hearts,” evoking the emotional and cultural ties between two distant archipelagos united by the ocean.  “It is with united hearts […]

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Posted in Azores, Featured, Heritage, Portugal, World

U.S. Senate | John Arrigo confirmed U.S. Ambassador to Portugal – Washington, DC

05 August 2025

The U.S. Senate confirmed John Arrigo as the next Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Portugal on August 2, 2025, with a vote of 52 in favor and 42 against.  The position of U.S. Ambassador to Portugal had remained vacant since the departure of former ambassador Randi Charno Levine in early 2025. […]

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Posted in Featured, People, Portugal, World