- April 25, 2024
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Palm Coast residents Isabel Augusto and Maria Mesquita show their Portuguese pride during the singing of the Portugal and U.S. national anthems. Photo by Paige Wilson
Angelica Silva performs a traditional Portuguese dance. Photo by Paige Wilson
Moises Jorge raises the flag of Portugal and the U.S. Photo by Paige Wilson
Local government officials gather during the ceremony. Photo by Paige Wilson
Sophia Rodrigues performs a traditional Portuguese dance. Photo by Paige Wilson
Vice Mayor Nick Klufas speaks on behalf of Mayor Milissa Holland. Photo by Paige Wilson
Serinna Meister and Jason Gomes perform a traditional Portuguese dance. Photo by Paige Wilson
Jack Barbosa shows his Portuguese pride at the ceremony. Photo by Paige Wilson
Sheriff Rick Staly speaks at the ceremony. Photo by Paige Wilson
The American and Portugal flags fly during the ceremony at Palm Coast City Hall. Photo by Paige Wilson
Folk dancers perform for the crowd. Photo by Paige Wilson
Event emcee John Furao speaks to the crowd. Photo by Paige Wilson
About 14,000 people make up the Flagler County Portuguese community, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said during the Portugal Day flag-raising ceremony at Palm Coast City Hall on Friday, June 7.
“It is nice to see everyone here; It shows just how you are committed, engaged and proud of your heritage,” Staly said. “This event is not just about celebrating Portugal, but it’s about celebrating the Portuguese American community we have in Flagler County.”
The annual celebration was a collaboration between the city of Palm Coast and the Portuguese American Cultural Center. The flag-raising ceremony launched a weekend of festivities for the local Portuguese community to celebrate their history and contribution to the county’s diversity.
“We consider it an honor and privilege for the city of Palm Coast to host this very special occasion for you,” Vice Mayor Nick Klufas said to a packed crowd around the flag pole outside of city hall. “... You enrich us with culture, your devotion to family, your gracious hospitality and your kindness. Your contribution to the cultural diversity of Palm Coast truly makes our city a wonderful place to live.”
John Furao, a member of the PACC, was the emcee for the event. The national anthems of the U.S. and Portugal were sung, and traditional Portuguese folk dances were performed. PACC is celebrating is 32nd year in Palm Coast, as well.
Staly also noted that the fact Palm Coast has the presence of Portuguese Honorary Consul Caesar de Paço shows just how significant the local Portuguese community is.
The PACC is located at 1200 Palm Harbor Parkway. Visit the PACC Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/y37njcnz, or call the center at 446-3910.
