Regional Government hosts conference on Azorean identity this Saturday in Ponta Delgada - Communication

Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades

The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, is organising a round-table discussion on the theme “The Construction of Azorean Identity(ies): historical roots and the present day” this Saturday, April 18, at 5.30 p.m.

The event will take place at the Low Choir of the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada and will be attended by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão.

The initiative is being carried out within the institutional remit of promoting democratisation and celebrating the island’s identity. It aims to encourage in-depth reflection on the historical, anthropological and social roots that define the Azorean people and their gradual development of self-awareness over the centuries.

With a view to organising this event, the Regional Secretariat has entered into a partnership with the Carlos Machado Museum, through its Autonomy Centre, and with CHAM – Centre for the Humanities at the University of the Azores.

The curatorship of the round table was entrusted to Professor Isabel Soares de Albergaria, who will be part of the panel of speakers alongside prominent figures from academia and the field of historical and social research: Susana Serpa Silva, Carlos Guilherme Riley, Carlos Enes (a leading figure in contemporary history in the Azores) and Professor João Leal (one of the leading figures in social anthropology in Portugal).

The event is open to the entire community, combining a panel discussion with opportunities for direct interaction with the public.

In addition to marking the anniversary of the Azores’ autonomy, this joint reflection on the islands’ intangible heritage is a catalyst for the launch of the project to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the discovery of the Azores, which will be marked in 2027.

Implementation and planning efforts will begin over the coming months, always guided by the fundamental principle of sharing Azorean knowledge, heritage and cultural identity with the world.