The NRP Sagres, a classic three-masted tall ship and the pride of the Portuguese Navy, is to arrive in Bermuda on Wednesday — Portugal Day — for several days of cultural celebration, community engagement and diplomatic events.

Andrea Moniz-DeSouza, the Honorary Consul of Portugal in Bermuda, said: “The visit of NRP Sagres is a tremendous honour for Bermuda and a proud moment for our Portuguese community.

“For generations, Portuguese Bermudians have been an integral part of Bermuda’s story. They have helped build our island, contributed to our economy, enriched our culture and continue to serve across every sector of Bermudian life.

“This visit is not only a celebration of Portugal’s maritime heritage, but also a recognition of the contributions of Portuguese immigrants and their descendants who have made Bermuda their home. It reflects the deep friendship and enduring ties between our two nations.

“I warmly invite all residents of Bermuda to come aboard NRP Sagres during the public visiting hours.

“This is a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most iconic tall ships and to share in this celebration of heritage, community and connection.”

The ship, a frequent visitor to the island over the decades, will arrive at Hamilton Harbour, docking at 7pm after a brief stop at Salt Kettle Anchorage.

The vessel was built in Germany in 1937 and has served the Portuguese Navy since 1962.

NRP Sagres has sailed hundreds of thousands of nautical miles, visited ports across the globe and represented Portugal on international missions, training voyages and cultural exchanges.

Led by Commander José Eduardo de Sousa Luís, the sail-training vessel, a floating ambassador of Portuguese maritime heritage, will be greeted by Michael Branco, the Mayor of Hamilton, with Ms Moniz-DeSouza.

Its community and official engagements will be joined by Luís Moitinho, the Deputy Consul-General of Portugal in London.

Events start at 8pm on Wednesday with a performance by the Vasco da Gama Folklore Group on board the ship.

A private reception will be held on the vessel on Thursday with invited guests from Bermuda’s Portuguese and wider community.

On Friday, Commander de Sousa Luís will host an official luncheon on the ship, attended by dignitaries including Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, the mayor and Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport.

That evening, the ship’s crew will join in the Festa do Divino Espirito Santo in St George’s.

On Saturday, festivities continue with a friendly football match at the Bermuda Athletic Association in celebration of St Anthony’s Day. The Bermuda team will feature members of Vasco da Gama and Casa dos Açores da Bermuda.

The NRP Sagres will host a visit by children from the Portuguese Cultural Association’s Portuguese School after-school programme.

The ship will depart Bermuda at 10am on Sunday, and continue to the US to join international celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, with vessels from around the world in a commemorative parade of ships.