Barcelos visit to Canada highlights the strength of Portuguese culture and Portuguese-Canadian community associations

Fotos: Dominique Abreu Photography The official visit of the Barcelos Municipal Council executive to Canada concluded with a very positive assessment, marked by the success of the exhibition “Expressions ...

Exposição Galo – Barcelos Fotos: Dominique Abreu Photography The official visit of the Barcelos Municipal Council executive to Canada concluded with a very positive assessment, marked by the success of the exhibition “Expressions of Barcelos Art and Creativity” and by the recognition of the work carried out by Portuguese associations in promoting Portuguese culture. Led by the Mayor of Barcelos, Mário Constantino Lopes, the delegation followed the exhibition’s presentation in Ottawa, after its successful showing in Montréal, in an initiative organized by the Portuguese Association of Canada (APC), in partnership with the Barcelos Migrant Association Community Centre, in Toronto.

The closing ceremony of the exhibition was attended by the Ambassador of Portugal to Canada, Bernardo Lucena, institutional representatives, association leaders, and members of the Portuguese community, highlighting the importance of the project in promoting Barcelos’ cultural heritage on Canadian soil. In his speech, the president of the Barcelos Migrant Association Community Centre, Vítor Santos, emphasized that holding the exhibition at the Embassy of Portugal in Ottawa represents important recognition of the work the association has been developing in promoting the culture, art, and traditions of Barcelos among the Portuguese community and Canadian society.

The association leader thanked Ambassador Bernardo Lucena for his support, which he considered decisive in making the initiative possible, as well as Mayor Mário Constantino Lopes for the trust placed in the association and for his commitment to valuing culture as a bridge connecting Barcelos with emigrant communities. He also extended his thanks to the Portuguese Association of Canada, a partner in organizing the event, and to all collaborators, artists, volunteers, sponsors, and visitors who contributed to the exhibition’s success. During his speech, Vítor Santos also acknowledged the contribution of several individuals and collaborators involved in the project, including chef Helena Loureiro, Joaquina Pires, Otílio Rocha, and Marlene Araújo, as well as the artists, volunteers, sponsors, and visitors who helped make the initiative successful.

Vítor Santos stressed that the exhibition was “a journey through the soul of Barcelos,” allowing visitors to discover the creativity, history, and traditions of the municipality while strengthening the ties between Barcelos and the Portuguese diaspora. In his remarks, Mário Constantino Lopes expressed his satisfaction with the excellent reception of the exhibition and praised the work carried out by Portuguese associations in Canada. The mayor highlighted that Barcelos figurative art continues to establish itself as one of the most authentic expressions of Portuguese craftsmanship, emphasizing the Rooster of Barcelos as one of the greatest symbols of national identity.

He also invited everyone present to visit Barcelos and its traditional Craft Fair. Ana Mónica Oliveira, Secretary-General of the Board of Directors of the Portuguese Association of Canada, also highlighted that this partnership represents an example of what can be achieved through collaboration between Portuguese institutions, reinforcing APC’s mission of promoting Portuguese culture and traditions among younger generations. In Ottawa, the delegation also took part in the Feasts of the Holy Spirit in Gatineau, where it was welcomed by the Azorean community in an atmosphere of great hospitality.

One of the highlights of the visit was the performance by the Portuguese Folkloric and Ethnographic Group of Montréal, whose artistic quality and authenticity were praised by the representatives of Barcelos. Mário Constantino Lopes invited the group to perform at future cultural celebrations in the municipality.

The continuation of the exhibition “Expressions of Barcelos Art and Creativity” reinforces its role in promoting Portuguese culture in Canada, while also highlighting the importance of Portuguese-Canadian communities in preserving cultural identity beyond national borders. Romulo M. Avila/MS The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.