Regional Director for Communities invites young people from Uruguay to promote Azorean Diaspora
The Regional Director for Communities stated in San Carlos, Uruguay, that the "involvement of young people" in associations to promote the Azorean Diaspora is essential to continue the legacy passed on to them.
Paulo Teves spoke during the celebrations of the "Fiestas Azoriano-Carolinas." He stressed that having an active and participatory community that is proud of its roots, after centuries of the arrival of Azoreans in Uruguay, is a "sign of willingness of all those who inherited the identity of the Azorean People ".
In his speech, he considered that "a more active involvement of younger generations" in Uruguay" is necessary as in any part of the world where the Azorean Diaspora is located."
Promoted by the House of the Azores of Uruguay - Los Azorenos, the "Fiestas Azoriano-Carolinas" are an important moment in activities organised by the community of Azorean descent residing in the city of San Carlos. The festivities include a programme that comprises several conferences, a book presentation, theatre plays, and music and dance performances.
Under his visit to that city, the Regional Director also visited the construction works of the new hall of the House of the Azores, which are being supported by San Carlos City Hall. They were the most voted project in the participatory budget.
At the occasion, Paulo Teves, accompanied by members of the executive committee, highlighted the importance of the work "in the continuity of the project designed by this organisation with the aim of further promoting the Azores" in Uruguay.
Before going to this South American country, the Regional Director for Communities participated in the 16th Cultural Week promoted by the House of the Azores in Brazil. This year's edition was dedicated to the theme "Singing, music and dance as the identity of peoples and nations."
In his speech delivered at the opening session, Paulo Teves emphasised that the chosen theme, "being comprehensive, is transversal to the entire Azorean Diaspora and to the archipelago itself," given the "diversity, quantity and quality" of musical, dance and singing groups.
"In the Autonomous Region of the Azores, there are dozens of groups in these three areas of our culture that, adding up to several dozen in our communities, enrich and value our heritage and contribute to the affirmation of our Diaspora," said the government official.
In the programme of this year's edition, several schools from São Paulo participated in the event by presenting some identity features of Brazil as well as those of community organisations from Portugal and other countries based in that Brazilian state, namely Paraguay and Japan.