Welcome to the Portugal Day Festival

Portugal is much more diverse than most people think. For example, studies have shown that about a third or more of the Portuguese population are descendants of Jews who were forced to convert to Catholicism. If you go to Portugal today you will see ancient Jewish quarters and synagogues in Lisbon, Porto, and many other Portuguese cities. Furthermore, many Portuguese are discovering their Jewish identiy and some have even undergone the process to return to Judaism. Many of the top scientists, doctors, and lawyers in Portugal where Jewish. When the Inquisition took hold of Porugal many had to flee the country or be killed if they did not abandon Judaism. However, some chose to practice in the relgion in secrecy and have been doing so for hundreds of years(Belmonte Jews). Even the former president of Portugal Jorge Sampaio, had a Jewish maternal grandmother but he claimes to be agnostic. There is also a Celtic and Islamic influence throughout most of Portugal. To experience the Portuguese culture and its glory, one must visit the country and explore its ancient Roman, Celitc, Moorish, and Jewish heritage. Ironbound is not Portugal, if you want real Portugal, then go visit the country. Immigrants in United States become Americanized and loose the rich cultural heritage. One of the first Portuguese immigrant groups that settled in America were Portuguese Jews who settle in New York in the 1600s. NY was New Amsterdam then because it was under Dutch control.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH7owOaDDCA&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRJ5kFlb6qU

http://ies.berkeley.edu/psp/portuguesestudies/files/research_Leite.pdf