The Regional Secretary for the Economy, Vasco Cordeiro, challenged on Monday “the new generations of Azorean descent to increasingly engage in the organisation of the Holy Spirit Festivities in New England” as this is an event “that does not diminish, but rather adds value to the presence of the Azorean community in this North American state.”
During a speech delivered at closing dinner of the festivities, Vasco Cordeiro invited “all Azoreans living here to reflect on the organisation of the festivities so that they may endure in time, thus increasingly becoming a reference and a unique moment for the Portuguese community.”
“Belonging to the whole community, these festivities will always be the Holy Spirit Festivities in New England, a hallmark in the celebration of Azorean traditions, but also a moment of declaration of those who left the Azores to live here as well as of those born here, who continue to respect and live the traditions of our Region,” stated the Regional Secretary for the Economy.
According to Vasco Cordeiro, during these days “the Azores are also here” and this is a fact “that should be regarded with pride as by celebrating the Holy Spirit in New England, we may say that this is another Azorean island.”
The Regional Secretary for the Economy reminded all those “who helped in the organisation of these festivities over the past few years” and conveyed his belief that “their future is assured for many years.”
For Vasco Cordeiro, the way he was welcomed by the Azorean community residing in New England, clearly demonstrates the Azorean feeling that still endures “even among those who have left forty or twenty years ago, cannot hold back their tears whenever one talks about the Azores.” “This is a feeling that must be always reminded by all those carrying out public duties that should take into account the love for the Azores as a guiding principle, which is expressed here so profoundly.”
After delivering his speech, the Regional Secretary for the Economy offered the organising Commission a Holy Spirit flag as “a sign of gratitude for the organisation of these festivities that attracts thousands of emigrants from various places to New England, demonstrating the growing relevance of Azorean emigrants in the United States, especially in this area.”