A weekly segment here in NOVIDADES (the islands and the diaspora) from PBBI-Fresno State.

California Forcardo Group in Portugal & Spain | Summer 2024

The Grupo de Forcados Amadores de Turlock participated in bullfights in Europe this summer; in mainland Portugal (Abiul) and in Spain (Huelva). It was the first time that the group went to Spain to participate in a bullfight and it also was the first group outside of Portugal to grab in Abiul (which is the oldest arena in Portugal). Captain George Martins of Hilmar recollects the amazing trip they had this summer. Their performance in Europe left a positive and lasting impression on all of those who attended. Great job to the team, God protect and guide them always! Way to represent California in Europe! Continued success to Captain George and the team!

The Portuguese Community mourns a musical legend

Manel Placido Cabral, aka “The Island Man”

Manel, who was a musical legend of our Portuguese community passed away less than two weeks into September, leaving us all with sorrow in our hearts. He was one of a kind and an extremely talented musician and vocalist, originally from São Miguel Azores, living in Massachusetts. He was an “orgulho” for the Portuguese and Portuguese-Americans. This past August, towards the end of the month, he participated in an Azorean Music Festival (Azores Burning Summer in São Miguel). He was someone who definitely lived life to the fullest and spread kindness wherever he went; through his music! He will forever live on through his music, and all those who loved him. God rest your soul, Manel “The Island Man”!