FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                            Contact: Erin McNeill

May 26, 2009                                                                                                                       617-722-1551    

                                                                                                                                                erin.mcneill@state.ma.us

Senator Pacheco announces the 25^th Heritage Day of Portugal

At the Boston State House

Boston -- State Sen. Marc R. Pacheco, D-Taunton, is pleased to announce that the 25^th Annual Heritage Day of Portugal will be celebrated on Tuesday, June, 2, 2009 at the Boston State House.

 “After 25 years, this celebration of Portuguese heritage in Massachusetts is going stronger than ever,” said Pacheco, who is event chairman and Senate chairman for this silver anniversary celebration. “This year’s program is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of members of the Portuguese community, as well as to introduce people to the richness of Portuguese culture in the state.”

 A ceremony will be held in the House Chamber at 10 a.m. to honor influential leaders of Portuguese descent from throughout the Commonwealth. Honorees will be awarded a Heritage Day of Portugal medallion in recognition of their contributions to the state’s Portuguese communities.

This year’s guest of honor is Dr. Jaime Gama, president of the Portuguese parliament.

The Select Chorus from Taunton High School, under the direction of Steven Lagarto, will perform the national anthems of the United States and Portugal.

After the ceremony, a celebration will be held in the Great Hall, where Portuguese restaurants as well as culinary students will have authentic Portuguese dishes for sampling. There will be an exhibit of arts and crafts from Lagoa, Azores, along with entertainment provided by the Grupo Folclórico, Madeiran folk dancers from New Bedford.

 The event is free and open to the public. In keeping with tradition, Senator Pacheco will sponsor a free bus ride from Taunton to the State House. The Bus departs from the district office at 7:30 am, and leaves Boston at 2 p.m. Reserve your seat by calling Traci at the district office at (508) 822-3000.