The President of the Azores Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, today welcomed President of the Republic António José Seguro at the Palácio dos Capitães-Generais on Terceira Island, in a formal courtesy meeting that preceded the official opening of the 2026 celebrations of Portugal Day, Camões Day, and Portuguese Communities Day.
Following the meeting, the two leaders participated in the ceremonial raising of the Portuguese flag, officially inaugurating this year’s national commemorations in the Azores.
During the audience, José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed the decision to hold the 2026 celebrations in the Azores, describing it as recognition of the archipelago’s strategic importance within Portugal and the broader Atlantic world.
“The Azores are ready to embrace this responsibility with enthusiasm and a strong sense of mission,” Bolieiro said. “We are welcoming this celebration with open arms and committed to making it a success.”
The President of the Regional Government also emphasized the unique geographic position of the Azores and their historic role as a bridge between continents, peoples, and cultures.
“The Azores are a territory of peace, cosmopolitanism, and connection to the world,” he stated.
Also present at the meeting was the Representative of the Republic for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Susana Goulart Costa.
As part of the official visit, President António José Seguro signed the Book of Honor of the Presidency of the Azores Regional Government, leaving a record of his participation in the official June 10 celebrations.
The commemorations continue in Angra do Heroísmo with the military ceremony at Cerrado do Bailão, one of the central events of Portugal Day. The celebrations bring together national, regional, military, and civic leaders while highlighting the historical significance of the Azores within Portugal and the Portuguese-speaking world.
This year’s choice of the Azores as the host region places Angra do Heroísmo and the archipelago at the center of national attention, celebrating not only Portugal’s history and cultural heritage but also the enduring contributions of Portuguese communities across the globe.
Adapted from Press Release. Photo from the Government of the Azores.