Local dignitaries and members of Bermuda’s Portuguese community celebrated the 176th anniversary yesterday of the arrival of Portuguese immigrants to the island.

Mischa Fubler, the Junior Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, declared November 4 Celebration of the Arrival of the Portuguese Community Day during the ceremony.

Lucia Botelho, the president of Casa dos Açores da Bermuda, congratulated the Portuguese community for withstanding the test of time for almost two centuries.

She also thanked Bermuda for helping them to turn the island into their new home.

“Bermuda’s been good to a lot of us,” she said. “It made life a lot easier for some of us, but also the Portuguese have made Bermuda a great place.

“From pot washers to politicians, we’ve represented everybody.”

On November 4, 1849, The Golden Rule arrived in Bermuda from Madeira in the Azores, bringing with it the first recognised group of Portuguese immigrants on the island.

Mr Fubler said the “courage, hard work and commitment” involved laid “the foundation for a proud legacy” that continued to affect the island.

He said the Azorean community had been instrumental in Bermuda’s development, from the centuries-old inscription on Portuguese Rock at Spittal Pond to the community’s influence on Bermuda’s agricultural industry.

Mr Fubler added: “Today’s commemoration is both a celebration of history and an inspiration for the future — a reminder of how the Portuguese community’s values of hard work, unity and pride continue to strengthen our island.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I extend our deepest gratitude to all Portuguese Bermudians for your lasting contributions to our culture, economy and to the spirit of Bermuda.

“Congratulations and thank you.”

Miguel Hugo Pereira, the president of the Vasco da Gama Club, said the commemoration day celebrated “the journey of hope, courage and contribution that continues to shape the story of our island”.

He said: “What began as a small group of settlers has grown into a proud, vibrant community that has enriched Bermuda in countless ways.”

Mr Pereira said that the Portuguese community represented hard work, strong family ties, faith and a “deep sense of community” — all values, he said, that were part of the fabric of Bermuda.

He added: “Their contributions are not just economic, but cultural and spiritual, woven into our food, our festivals, our music and our shared traditions.

“Today, the Portuguese-Bermudian community stands as a living example of resilience and unity.

“They have shown that identity is not about where we come from, but about how we live together — in respect, in service and in solidarity.”

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said that the Portuguese story was “deeply woven into the fabric of our City”.

He noted how the Vasco da Gama Club, which he called “a beacon of heritage and hospitality for nearly a century”, stood on Reid Street.

Mr Gosling added that several businesses in Hamilton had been built or supported by Azorean immigrants.

He said: “The Portuguese community has a great contribution to Hamilton, and it is evident not only by the traditions we celebrate today, but in the businesses, government and other civic organisations and families that continue to shape our identity.

“From entrepreneurship and public service to art, cuisine and sport, your impact resonates across every sector.”