The President of the Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, today presided over the closing ceremony of the XXVI General Assembly of the World Council of Houses of the Azores (CMCA), held on the island of São Jorge. At the ceremony, he highlighted the importance of the Azorean diaspora in enhancing the cultural identity of the Azores.
This week’s meeting underlined the vital role of the Houses of the Azores in maintaining cultural and social ties between the archipelago and Azorean communities around the world.
With representatives from various regions, including Canada, the United States, Brazil, and mainland Portugal, the meeting celebrated the strength of the Azorean diaspora and its continued contribution to the prestige of the Azores at the international level.
José Manuel Bolieiro stressed the importance of the joint work between the Azorean government and the Houses of the Azores, highlighting the positive impact of the diaspora on the “affirmation” of Azorean culture across borders. “Our diaspora, by being prestigious, helps to give prestige to the Azores, helps to give prestige to our political autonomy and the existence of our self-government bodies,” said José Manuel Bolieiro.
He also expressed his “pride” in the role of the diaspora over the centuries in the lands where they have been welcomed, highlighting the respect the Azores have earned on the international stage.

During the event, Medals of Merit were awarded to three Azorean figures who stand out for their contribution to the community in Toronto: António “Tabico” Câmara (posthumously), Cidália de Sousa and Grinoalda Pavão. In addition, São Jorge cheese was chosen as this year’s quality Azorean product, reinforcing the international recognition of the archipelago’s typical products.
The annual presidency of the CMCA officially passed from the House of the Azores of Ontario, in Canada, to its counterpart in New England, in the United States, marking a new phase of cooperation between the Houses of the Azores and their respective regions.
The mission of the CMCA, founded in 1997, is to promote initiatives that strengthen cultural, social, and economic relations between the Azores and its diaspora.
Bolieiro took the opportunity to express his special thanks to Suzanne Cunha, the outgoing President of CMCA, for her work and dedication throughout her term. He also congratulated Francisco Viveiros, the new President of CMCA, wishing him success in continuing this mission, consolidating initiatives that promote Azoreanity, and strengthening the ties of Azorean communities worldwide. The ceremony was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, and the Mayor of Velas, Luís Silveira, who reinforced the institutional support and importance of this critical meeting.
He also took the opportunity to highlight the crucial role of the Azorean media, which has helped to bring the diaspora closer to the Azores.
“The media has been fundamental not only in news coverage, but also through creative programs that promote literacy and the recognition of our diaspora, spread around the world,” he said.
The event, held on the island of São Jorge, symbolizes Azorean unity and pride, thus reinforcing the importance of the Azorean Government, together with the Casas dos Açores (Azorean Houses) around the world, continuing to build a future in which Azorean roots and identity are kept alive and projected globally, through the new generations of Azoreans around the globe.

In Diário dos Açores , Osvaldo Cabral-director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.