IMPRESSIONS OF PORTUGAL WEEK - TORONTO, 2002

Official Opening of the PORTUGAL WEEK 2002 in Toronto
May 30, 2002 - 5 pm
The Portuguese Consulate, Toronto

On May 30, 2002, the Portuguese Consul General in Toronto, Dr. João Perestrello, presided at the official opening of the XVth Edition of Portugal Week at the Gallery Almada Negreiros of the Consulate-General of Portugal in Toronto. The organizers, the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario, presented the program for the Week at the event. The program offers a wide range of festive options. (See Program). This year the President of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Carlos Cesar, will take part in the June 10 celebrations. Carlos Cesar is currently undertaking a series of visits to the Azorean communities in Canada.

The directors of the various Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario that make up the Alliance, the Consul-General of Portugal in Toronto, Dr. João Perestrello and his wife, Mrs. Jane Button, Rosario Marchese MPP, Tony Ruprecht MPP and Toronto City Councillor, Mario Silva were among the dignitaries present at this official opening of Portugal Week

After a brief opening speech by the Consul-General, Jose Eustaquio, President of the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario, took the floor. He invoked the strong patriotism whenever the Portuguese celebrate the Day of the Nation in this part of the world. He acknowledged and thanked all those who collaborated and sponsored the event, launching an appeal to the community at large to make its presence felt at the "CIRV FM 88.9" Portuguese Cultural Evening at the SkyDome on June 8, at 6.30 pm.

Hoisting of the Portuguese Flag
June 2, 2002, 4.30 pm
Nathan Phillips Square

The ceremony of the Hoisting of the Portuguese Flag, marking the beginning of Portugal Week, took place in Nathan Phillip Square on Sunday at 4.30 pm. Mr. Antonio Pereira, President for Culture of the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario hosted the parade of representatives of the various clubs and associations that make up the Alliance, and organizers of the Week. Among high-profile community personalities present were the Portuguese Consul, Dr. João Perestrello and his wife, Mrs. Jane Button, Jose Eustaquio, President of the Alliance of Portuguese Clubs and Associations of Ontario, Tony Dionisio, Local 183 Business Manager, Nellie Pedro, (School Trustee), Mr. Frank Alvarez, Toronto City Councillor Mario Silva and others.

Nancy da Costa gave a fine rendition of the Canadian and Portuguese National Anthems before a large audience and closed the ceremony with a brief performance of lively melodies, thus setting the mood for the Week's Festivities.