The official Day of Portugal flag raising ceremony took place outside of Bristol Town Hall late Monday morning with a number of local officials and spectators in attendance.

Town Administrator Steven Contente, who welcomed Orlando Mateus, 2019 president of the R.I. Day of Portugal, spoke briefly about the importance of this special day for all people of Portuguese descent.

“This has been a short, but meaningful ceremony that we’ve had here, especially in recent years,” Mr. Contente noted. “With so many people of Portuguese heritage living in our town, this ceremony has helped strengthen the bond between Portugal and the town of Bristol. It’s been a wonderful, heartwarming experience.”

Another highlight on the program was the playing of the National Anthems of the United States and Portugal by Mt. Hope High School sophomore Dylan Araujo.

Mr. Mateus was happy to be back in Bristol on this auspicious occasion.

“Bristol is a community mostly surrounded by water, great traditions, and family values; no wonder the Portuguese have always been attracted to this beautiful town,” he said. “Having the opportunity to raise the Portuguese flag is both a privilege and honor. It’s an honor to be with you in the week leading to the Portuguese Heritage Festival in Providence. “

He also outlined some of the events which will be taking place June 7 to 9 at the Portuguese Heritage Festival in Providence, and invited everyone to attend.

Mr. Mateus also mentioned the new Rhode Island Day of Portugal charity license plate.

“The Rhode Island Day of Portugal charity plate is a wonderful initiative, and a great way to show your Portuguese pride on the road,” he told the audience. “Rhode Island is the first state in the country to have a license plate with the Portuguese symbol.”

The Day of Portugal is a holiday celebrated every year in June and in every corner of the Portuguese-speaking world. Officially known as “Dia de Portugal, de Camoes e das Communidades Portuguesas” (Day of Portugal, Camoes and the Portuguese Communities), this special day commemorates the death of the revered Portuguese poet, Luis Vaz de Camoes, in 1580. He is best known for his epic poem, “Os Lusiadas,” which is a tribute to the golden age of Portugal’s maritime exploration and discoveries.