The President of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, Rubina Leal, met with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey during a visit to the Festa do Santíssimo Sacramento in New Bedford.
The meeting aimed to highlight the significance of the Portuguese community, particularly those from Madeira, in the economic, social, and cultural life of the US state. Leal emphasized the strong ties that successive generations of Madeirans maintain with their homeland, preserving language, traditions, and culture while actively contributing to their communities abroad.
According to Leal, this ability to balance integration with valuing roots serves as an example of citizenship. She called for continued recognition and public support for the Madeiran community, noting their contributions enrich Massachusetts and preserve a historical and cultural legacy.
Leal also advocated for continued institutional support for the Festa do Santíssimo Sacramento, considered the largest celebration of Portuguese culture outside Portugal, to maintain its role as a gathering place and strengthen ties between the US, Portugal, and Madeira.
