This is a NOVIDADES (PBBI-Fresno State) weekly segment by Marisa Silva Rocha, a Fadista and Portuguese-American community cultural activist.

Who is Vivian Acuña-Francisco?

Name: Vivianna Acuña-Francisco

Where you were born: Elmhurst, Queens, NY

Where do you reside: Matawan, NJ

If different, when did you move and why?: During the summer of the murders of “Son of Sam”, my father moved his family out of NY

Where were your parents from? Bogota, Colombia

What is your favorite song / Show / Movie?: Song, too many to list. Show: Any murder documentary! Movies: the Harry Potter films.

What is your favorite quote or saying? It’s not nice 😆 so I can’t write it here.

What is one of your dreams? Living an extremely long happy life surrounded by my family and my animals.

What is one of your fears? Death of loved ones

What is an interesting fact about you? In my 30s, I went to a Portuguese school with 8-year-olds. I’m proficient in reading and writing but speak with a Spanish accent.

What is your favorite Portuguese dish and or dessert? Bacalhau à brás and bolo de bolachas de Maria

What is your favorite Portuguese saying or word? Fod*s and esferovite, cogumelos is a close second 😂

What is the best part of being Portuguese to you? Everyone thinks I am Portuguese because I have assimilated into the culture and community through 32 years with my Portuguese husband, being heavily involved in Portuguese clubs, organizations and visiting Portugal every summer for a month for 30 years.

Three of your favorite places you have visited? Barcelona, Evora, Medellin

Is there anywhere you’d like to travel to? More of Spain, Greece, and Italy