Paulo Estêvão strengthens ties with Azorean communities during visit to House of the Azores of Quebec - Communication

Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades

During an official visit to Montreal, Canada, on Saturday, the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, highlighted the Azorean Government’s commitment to strengthening ties with and promoting Azorean communities around the world, emphasising the vital role these communities play in preserving Azorean cultural identity among younger generations.

On the occasion, the Regional Secretary expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome received at the House of the Azores of Quebec and praised the work carried out by the institution, highlighting “the dedication, quality and sense of mission” that have guided their work over the years.

The Regional Secretary recalled that the Azores are marking 50 years of Autonomy this year, highlighting that this journey has been marked by a continuous effort to engage with communities through policies promoting cultural, institutional and identity-based values.

“There are currently 20 Houses of the Azores scattered across the world, as well as countless associations, institutions and media outlets that keep alive the connection between Azoreans and their descendants and their homeland,” he emphasised.

In his speech, the historical and strategic importance of the Azores within the national and Atlantic context was also highlighted, at a time when preparations are underway for the 600th anniversary of the discovery of the Azores, a celebration that will include several events in the Region, Mainland Portugal and the Azorean communities in the diaspora.

The government official also highlighted the value of Azorean traditions, particularly the Holy Spirit Festivities, as elements of identity preserved by emigrant communities over several generations.

“The sense of belonging to the Azores remains alive even after several generations away from the Region. It is up to us to continue building bridges, strengthening community ties and involving younger generations in our traditions, associations and Houses of the Azores,” he said.

The Government of the Azores also reiterated its recognition of the contribution made by the Azorean communities abroad to the establishment of the Azorean and Portuguese identity around the world, expressing its pride in representing all Azoreans, regardless of where they live.

The government official's official visit to Canada is part of the celebrations marking the Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary) of the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities in Montreal.

On this mission, Paulo Estêvão is accompanied by the Regional Director for the Communities, José Andrade. The Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities in Montreal, which were first held on May 15, 1966, are one of the most significant religious and cultural expressions of the Azorean diaspora in Canada.

Organised by the “Saudades da Terra Quebequente” Association and based at the Santa Cruz Mission, these celebrations have been a cornerstone in the preservation of faith, community ties and Azorean identity for the past six decades.

The Azorean community based in the province of Quebec – whose immigration increased significantly in the 1950s and 1970s – is today a remarkable success story.

Despite being part of a French-speaking society, Azorean emigrants have achieved a high level of socio-economic and cultural integration without abandoning their roots or the Portuguese language.

In this ongoing effort to preserve Azorean identity, the role of the House of the Azores Quebec is particularly noteworthy.

Founded in 1978, the institution plays a vital role in bringing the community together, organising initiatives that celebrate the islands’ traditions, as well as promoting and upholding the Azores within Quebec society.