Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins and members of Rhode Island Day of Portugal held a flag raising last week in recognition of the international June 10th holiday.

Joined by RI Day of Portugal President Ana Isabel dos Reis-Couto and Vice President Kevin Matos, Mayor Hopkins paid tribute to residents with Portuguese heritage in Cranston and across the state. On behalf of the city, Mayor Hopkins accepted a certificate of recognition from RI Day of Portugal for supporting the annual celebration.

“It is on this day that I would like to recognize and thank our local Portuguese community for their contributions to our great city of Cranston,” Mayor Hopkins said during the June 7th flag raising ceremony.  “It’s always a joy to hear the traditional music and sounds, and to see the bright bursts of color and cultural pride from our Portuguese community around this holiday.”

The Day of Portugal is an international holiday intended to remember the death of Luís de Camões, who is recognized as the country’s greatest national icon. He is known for his famous poem, The Lusiads, which narrates the story of Portuguese explorations in the 15th century and has since been accepted as a national poem in Portugal. Because his birth date is uncertain, his death date, June 10, 1580, is commemorated as Portugal’s National Day.

“Take today to celebrate and tell the world that you are proud of your heritage, culture, and traditions,” Mayor Hopkins said to attendees on June 7th. “As Luis De Camoes once did, I encourage you to use your art and passion to change the world for good.”