The Santa Cruz Fort was the venue for the traditional Emigrant Gathering, which brought together more than a hundred Faialenses returning from various parts of the world.

At the event promoted by the Municipality of Horta, which was attended by the Regional Director of Communities, the Mayor of Horta welcomed the emigrants with words of deep recognition and appreciation, emphasizing the importance of this reunion in a place that symbolically evokes the origin of Sea Week, 50 years ago.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this moment of reunion, celebration, and deep emotion,” said the mayor, emphasizing that this gathering “is a tribute to your courage, your perseverance, and your legacy.”

On this occasion, Carlos Ferreira emphasized the contribution of emigrants to the communities where they settled, whether in business, associations, or public service, considering them “examples that honor Faial, the Azores, and Portugal.”

“We want an island with a better quality of life, with more opportunities and a brighter future,” said the mayor of Faial, appealing to the diaspora: “Look at Faial not only as the land of your origins, but as a place of opportunities. A place worth investing in, visiting and, who knows, returning to.”

At the Gathering, the mayor also highlighted the growing interculturality of the municipality, revealing that 934 foreigners of 49 different nationalities currently live in Faial, and emphasized that this diversity is “one of our greatest assets and should be celebrated responsibly.”

“This is your home. And this Sea Week is also for you,” he concluded, wishing everyone present an excellent week of conviviality and celebration.

From Press Release

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.