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. […]

Portugal leads the way for LBGT rights – Lisbon

25 March 2011

Portugal is one of the most reformist countries for gays and transgender citizens, who now benefit from one of the most progressive laws in the world. Portugal’s new Trans-Friendly Identity Record Amendment Law, of March 16, establishes clear guidelines on how Portuguese citizens can change their name and sex come into effect. Unlike many laws […]

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Posted in Featured

School dropout is endemic – Portugal

25 March 2011

 The Wall Street Journal reported today that “Portugal is the poorest country in Western Europe. It is also the least educated, and that has emerged as a painful liability in its gathering economic crisis.” Portugal holds one of the highest school dropout rates in the world with 37.1 percent of students abandoning school before graduation. […]

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Posted in Education, Featured

Enterprise Innovation Awards – Portugal

24 March 2011

COTEC Portugal announced the fourth edition of the Enterprise Innovation Award for the Portuguese Diaspora in partnership with the Office of the President of Portugal. The award distinguishes Portuguese entrepreneurs who in 2010 have promoted entrepreneurial, innovative and accountable initiatives outside Portugal and contributed to improve business cooperation between Portugal and her diaspora. It is estimated […]

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Posted in Awards, Community, Featured

Prime Minister Socrates resigns – Portugal

24 March 2011

Portuguese Prime Minister José Socrates resigned Wednesday after a new package of austerity measures was rejected by the Social Democratic and Communist opposition parties. The measures were intended to avoid an imminent multi-billion dollar international bailout. Following his resignation José Socrates assured the nation that the country was not without a government and that he […]

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Posted in Featured, Politics

MAPS Annual Awards Gala 2011– Cambridge, MA

24 March 2011

The  Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers(MAPS)  is promoting its annual 2011 Awards Gala fundraising event to take place on April 30, at 6 pm, at the Cambridge Marriott Hotel in Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA.. The black tie event, hosted by WBZ’s Anthony Silva and MAPS Board member Elizabeth Chaves,  will include a Red Carpet Arrival, […]

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Posted in Awards, Community, Organizations, People

Population trends in Massachusetts – U. S. Census

23 March 2011

According to the just released  2010 U.S. Census Bureau – between 2000 and 2003 – a new trend in demographics brought more diversity to the Massachusetts Southcoast region, home to a significant Portuguese population. Changes resulted from an increase in Hispanic, Black and Asian populations alongside the well-established Portuguese communities in areas such as Attleboro, Fall […]

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Posted in Community, Featured, Heritage