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On June 18, António Ambrósio, 29, was elected the new president of the organization, taking office officially on Oct. 15.
"I am honored and proud. I want to keep our culture and tradition alive for our children and grandchildren," he stated.
Born in the United States, Ambrósio moved to Celorico da Beira, Portugal, at age 10 and returned to the United States in 2000. The second youngest president in the history of the organization, stated his goal is to get Portuguese natives and their descendants to embrace the community and its heritage.
"You see Portuguese descendants who know nothing about their heritage... they can't even speak the language," stated Ambrósio. "We should accept our tradition and culture. Show everyone who we are."
Also new to the organization is Catarina Avelar, director of public relations for the committee.
"It's my first year working with the commission. I'm very excited... António Ambrósio will be a great leader for the organization," stated Avelar.
The Day of Portugal (DOP) is celebrated every year on June 10 and in every corner of the Portuguese-speaking world. This holiday is officially known as the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities (Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas.)
This year marked its 32nd celebration in R.I. and the continuous effort to preserve the traditions of the Portuguese culture for future generations. According to the organization, there is a need to promote the contribution of the Portuguese people, language and culture to the rich fabric of the state of Rhode Island.
In an attempt to unify the local Portuguese community, the organization is creating events to embrace the youth, the community as a whole and all those who want to take part of the Portuguese traditions and customs, stated Ambrósio.
Some of the events already scheduled for 2010 include: a domino and "sueca" card game tournament, Dia de Portugal breakfast, a gastronomy and folklore festival, an "Arraial," among others to be posted after the New Year.
In another effort to unite the community and allow their voice to be heard, the organization created a public opinion poll for the 2010 DOP arraial entertainment.
According to Ambrósio, the community can vote at several participating R.I. clubs.
These include Club Juventude Lusitania in Cumberland, Clube Sport União Madeirense in Central Falls, Clube União Portuguese Beneficente in Pawtucket, Clube Social Português in Pawtucket, Amigos da Terceira in Pawtucket, Casa dos Açores, Portuguese Sporting club in Providence, Cranston Portuguese Club, Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity (Brightridge Club), among others. For those with access to Internet, they can cast their vote through www.lusobeat.com or www.dayofportugal.com.
The ballot presents entertainers Starlight, Marco Paulo, Santamaria, Young Fire, Quim Barreiros, Arlindo Andrade, Roberto Leal, Marante, Emanuel, José Malhoa, Tony Carreira, Sonhos de Portugal, Maurício Morais, Nélia, Marc Dennis, Mexe Mexe, Eratoxica and Luís Neves.
