Lisbon, 6 June 2022 (TDI): This year Portugal is celebrating the Day of the Azores today on Monday as it is on the day following Pentecost Sunday.
It is a regional public holiday in Portugal’s autonomous region of the Azores. In 1980, it was established as ‘Dia da Região Autónoma dos Açores’. That is, ‘the Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores.’
In addition, it is a day that honors the affirmation of Azores’ self-rule as granted in the Portuguese Constitution after the Carnation Revolution of April 25, 1974.
Therefore, the day affirms the historical, cultural, and social identity of the Azorean people as well as their philosophy of life and their regional unity.
Celebrations
Official celebrations of the Day occur each year on a different island and are presided by the President of the Government of the Azores.
That is, with numerous festivities throughout the nine islands of the Azorean archipelago. In 2014, the Day was officially celebrated in Vila do Nordeste on São Miguel island.
In 2018, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with Casa dos Acores da Bermuda celebrated the Day at Victoria Park on June 24.
Part of the highlights of the celebrations involves the bestowing of honors to notable Azorean personalities and institutions. For example, in 2014, 27 honorees were recognized for their individual achievements together with their contributions to the community.
History of the Day of the Azores
Discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, Azores became an Autonomous Region of Portugal in 1976, after the Carnation Revolution of 1974.
The Azores’ government includes the Legislative Assembly, composed of 57 elected deputies, elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term.
Also, the Regional Government and Presidency, with parliamentary legitimacy, are composed of a President and a Vice-President. As well as seven Regional Secretaries responsible for the Regional Government executive operations.
Moreover, the Autonomous Region’s representative in the Council of Ministers of the Central Government is appointed by the President of Portugal.
Most importantly, the date shifts every year to correspond with the first Monday after the Sunday of Pentecost.
Additionally, the Legislative Assembly established the Day in 1980. As a result, it is observed as a public holiday throughout the archipelago.
In 2014, the US census reported that over 1.3 million individuals of Portuguese descent living in the United States. The majority of these have roots in the Azores.
