The State Senate recognized the contributions of California’s Portuguese-American community by adopting Senate Concurrent Resolution 130 by Senator Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), declaring June 10 as “Portugal Day” in California.

A special ceremony featuring the Consul General of Portugal in San Francisco and Portuguese-American dignitaries from throughout the state was held on the Senate Floor following the vote.

“Today, the California State Senate paid tribute to the contributions of the Portuguese-American community to the diverse fabric of California. SCR 130 declares June 10, 2016 as “Portugal Day” in California and provides the people of our state an opportunity to recognize the achievements, contributions, and history of this vibrant community,” said Mendoza.

In Portugal, June 10th is celebrated annually as “Portugal Day”, officially known as “Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas” (Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities). Although officially observed only in Portugal, Portuguese citizens and members of the Portuguese diaspora celebrate this holiday. The date commemorates the death of national literary icon Luís Vaz de Camões on June 10, 1580, who wrote Portugal’s national epic poem “Os Lusíadas” celebrating the fifteenth century Portuguese explorations that brought fame and fortune to the country. 

“It's a great privilege and pleasure to be in Sacramento to witness the passing of SCR 130. The measure is a fitting tribute that makes us all very proud of the longstanding contributions and achievements of the Portuguese American community in California. I would like to express my gratitude to the Honorable Tony Mendoza for spearheading this meaningful and befitting resolution,” said Consul General of Portugal in San Francisco Nuno Mathias.