California is home to the largest population of Portuguese Americans across the nation. Since the inception of Portuguese Immigrant Week (2nd week in March) in 1967 by then Governor of California Ronald Reagan, the Portuguese American community has proudly attended a wreath ceremony annually to recognize and celebrate all the courageous Portuguese immigrants at Root Park in San Leandro.
The 57th Annual Portuguese Immigrant Week kicked off on March 2nd at Root Park in San Leandro. A nice group from the Portuguese community including some members of the Lusitano Club attended the wreath ceremony and celebration.
Thank you to the Portuguese Fraternal Society of Portugal (PFSA), Luso-American Financial, and our SF Portuguese Consul General Pedro Pinto for hosting this annual event. It was a perfect day followed by an excellent lunch reception at the Portuguese Band of San Leandro Hall.
The symbolic statue at Root Park created by Azorean sculptor Numidico Bessone was offered to the City of San Leandro in 1964 by União Portuguesa do Estado da California, now part of PFSA. This statue symbolizes a person carrying a heavy burden, the difficulties and struggles of the emigrant; yet it also shows a man in front of a ship’s prow symbolizing the strength, courage and sense of adventure of the Portuguese emigrant.
Viva to our Portuguese Immigrants!