José Manuel Bolieiro stresses importance of youth in preserving Azorean identity - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received 11 young representatives of various Azorean diaspora communities at an audience held today, an initiative aimed at strengthening ties with the new generations of Azorean descent.

These young people from communities in North America, South America, Bermuda and Mainland Portugal are in the Autonomous Region of the Azores to take part in the World Congress of Houses of the Azores, which is taking place this week on the island of São Jorge.

During the audience, José Manuel Bolieiro stressed the "importance" of this visit for the future of the Azorean communities worldwide, highlighting the "intergenerational aspect of the initiative."

"This visit is an intergenerational testimonial. We want this identity and this sense of belonging in the different generations and younger generations, where the Azorean diaspora is, or where Azorean identity is preserved, to have this youth as a sign of future projection," said José Manuel Bolieiro.

Promoted by the Regional Government in collaboration with the Houses of the Azores and coordinated by the Regional Directorate for the Communities, the initiative aims to promote the continuity of a sense of belonging among young people from emigrant communities, thus consolidating Azorean cultural identity and establishing a bridge between generations.

The delegation includes participants from the United States (New England), Canada (Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba), Bermuda, Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul), Uruguay and Mainland Portugal (North region).

He also noted how "proud" he was to welcome these young people to the Region and how important initiatives like this are for the new generations of Azorean descendants to maintain the ties with the homeland of their parents and grandparents.

For young participants, this visit represents a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the land of their ancestors, explore the Azorean culture and establish ties that could contribute to the rejuvenation of the Houses of the Azores, consolidating Azorean identity in countries such as Canada, Brazil, Uruguay and the United States.

The World Congress of Houses of the Azores is a meeting point for the different Azorean communities around the world. In addition to fostering the sharing of experiences, it aims to project an inclusive and dynamic Azorean identity for the future, which, according to José Manuel Bolieiro, "is fundamental for the preservation of the collective identity of the Azorean people."