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. […]

Opinion | The Holidays in Numbers – Len Port

02 January 2025

According to reports by Lusa, the national news agency, statistics in certain sectors in Portugal have risen over the festive period. The value of Christmas shopping between 1 and 24 December rose by 15% compared to 2023. MB WAY (Multibanco) transactions for Christmas shopping saw an even sharper increase of over 40%. The Public Security […]

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Posted in Featured, Heritage, Organizations, People, Portugal, World

Book | Bare Bones of Our Alphabet | by Irene Marques | Editor’s Note

30 December 2024

The Bare Bones of Our Alphabet is a collection of poetry that reveals an all-consuming yearning: the desire to find a language that can tell the most about our existence. What the poet asks for, works obsessively to tap into, is a native tongue, a vernacular that bypasses the traps of a supposed rationality and […]

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

In Memoriam | Late President Jimmy Carter (1924–2024): A Friend of Portugal

30 December 2024

Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100. In a statement issued on December 29, President Rebelo de Sousa paid tribute to Carter’s significant contributions to democracy and human rights, emphasizing his “symbolic support” for Portugal’s democratic […]

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Posted in Azores, Featured, People, Portugal, Terceira, World

Appointed | President Trump names John Arrigo US Ambassador to Portugal – Truth Social

25 December 2024

President-elect Trump announced the appointment of John Arrigo as the next United States Ambassador to Portugal in a statement posted on Truth Social on Tuesday. Praising Arrigo’s success in the automotive industry and his leadership in the West Palm Beach business community, Trump stated, “It is my great honor to announce that John Arrigo will […]

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Posted in Featured, People, Politics, Portugal, World

Russia | Portuguese Embassy in Kyiv hit by Russian missiles – Ukraine

20 December 2024

On December 19, Russian missiles struck multiple targets in Ukraine, resulting in damage to the Portuguese embassy in Kyiv and five other diplomatic missions in the area, damaging a building housing the diplomatic offices of multiple countries. The embassies of Albania, Argentina, Palestine, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Portugal, housed in the same building, were damaged […]

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Posted in Featured, Organizations, People, Politics, Portugal, World

Opinion | EU and NATO facing strategic challenges – Len Port

17 December 2024

By Len Port It is perhaps no coincidence that President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has emphasized in Lisbon the importance of Portugal’s participation in the European Union. The EU is an essential part of NATO, even more so at a time of Russian expansionist threats, and just weeks before Donald Trump takes over the White […]

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Posted in Featured, Organizations, People, Politics, Portugal, World