Portuguese Heritage Month is celebrated in June

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued the following statement in celebration of Portuguese Heritage Month:

The City of Peterborough joins communities across Canada in recognizing and celebrating Portuguese Heritage Month in June.

The Portuguese community has played a significant role in shaping the social, cultural and economic life of our country. According to the 2021 Census, there are almost half a million people of Portuguese origin who live in Canada – it’s one of the largest Portuguese diasporas in the world. The contributions of Portuguese Canadians have enriched our lives in countless ways.

This month provides us with an opportunity to learn more about the history, achievements, and traditions of the Portuguese people.

Together, let us continue to embrace and celebrate the diversity that makes our country and our community a wonderful place to live, work, and thrive.

Resources

Province of Ontario, Celebration of Portuguese Heritage Act, 2001

On November 8, 2017, the House of Commons of Canada officially designated June as Portuguese Heritage Month.