Music, dancing, food: Montreal Portugal Festival unveils summer program
Posted March 16, 2023 5:49 pm.
Last Updated March 16, 2023 8:54 pm.
Montreal’s Portuguese community is celebrating two big milestones this year: a decade of the “Festival Portugal International de Montreal” and the 70th anniversary of Portuguese immigration to Canada.
The 10th edition of the festival will take place on the grounds of the Santa Cruz Portuguese church from May 26-28.
There will also be a Portugal Day celebration at Portugal Park on June 10.
Organizers unveiled details about the 2023 edition at a press conference Thursday at Casa Minhota in Little Portugal.
On hand at the event were Joe Puga, the festival’s president; fado singer Marta Raposo; Daniel Loureiro, advisor for Portuguese communities in Canada; spokesperson and actress Isabel dos Santos; and various partners.
They spoke about the importance of celebrating culture and diversity in Montreal.
“A weekend filled with joy for the entire family from May 26-28,” said Puga. “All Montrealers are invited to join the celebration in our own Quartier Portugais. Everyone is welcome to explore, discover and participate.”
Members of the Festival Portugal International de Montreal on March 16, 2023. (Credit: CityNews/Brittany Henriques)
The Portuguese community is set to celebrate the 70-year anniversary of immigration with an inauguration dinner on April 29 at Casa dos Açores do Quebec to mark the efforts of Portuguese immigrants and their contribution to Montreal and Canada.
“I was born in Quebec but my parents come from Portugal,” said Dr. Horacio Arruda, Quebec’s former director of public health. “I understand all the sacrifices that my family did to bring us here and I think it’s important to integrate in the Canadian community but also be proud of our roots.
“When you know where you come from it will be better to know where you’re going.”
The festival will feature Luso artists from across Portugal, Portuguese-speaking countries and north America, highlighting the diverse talents of the diaspora.
The three days will be packed with DJ sets, activities for the family, a soccer game, a singing contest, concerts, live fado, dancing – and of course – food.
Poster for the 10th edition of the Festival Portugal International de Montreal on March 16, 2023. (Credit: CityNews/Brittany Henriques)
