The Portuguese-American Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS) has officially announced that June has been recognized as Portuguese Heritage Month. This monumental recognition highlights the significant rich cultural history behind Portuguese-Americans and the vast contributions they have made to the country. The designation of June as Portuguese Heritage Month is a celebration of the vibrant culture, traditions, and history of Portugal and its diaspora.

Did you know? Approximately 467,000 residents of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island identify as Portuguese. The largest portion of the community resides in Southeastern Massachusetts, including in Fall River and New Bedford. The reason the numbers are so high along the coast is that many Portuguese-Americans immigrated during the commercial whaling era.

There are so many ways to celebrate Portuguese culture. You can start by discovering Portuguese food by dining out or trying your hand at a traditional Portuguese recipe. Plan a visit to any Portuguese community to get first-hand experience with the hospitality and generosity Portuguese people share. In fact, try to attend a festival or event that features music, dance, food, and art to enhance your experience.