The President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro, praised the "great tenacity" of emigrants in the United States of America, who keep their traditions alive and "proudly" claim their "Azoreanity."

"Here I am in the Holy Spirit Festivities in New England to fulfil the mission of bringing a big hug from all Azorean islands to those living in New England, who not only maintain a celebration of our religion, tradition and culture, but also demonstrate the great tenacity and determination by proudly claiming their Azorean pride here in the USA," said Vasco Cordeiro.

The President of the Regional Government spoke during the blessing ceremony of "pensões" (charitable offerings) that took place in Fall River, Massachusetts, on Friday. The event was part of the Holy Spirit Festivities in New England, where Vasco Cordeiro is participating as guest of honour.

"For me, it is a great source of pride to know that many and many miles away from those nine of stretches of land in the Atlantic ocean, there are Azorean people here, not just those who live here, but also those that attend these celebrations and are keen to claim themselves as Azoreans and as defenders and promoters of Azoreanity."

For this reason, Vasco Cordeiro said that "Fall River is the Azores on these days."

The blessing ceremony was presided over by Teodoro de Faria, Bishop Emeritus of Funchal, and included the participation of Saint Anthony Philharmonic Band.

At the end of the ceremony, Vasco Cordeiro visited an exhibition that featured the participation of various Azorean artisans.