AZORES | José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “Azorean pride” at opening of Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture

The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the opening ceremony of Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture, which took place at the Coliseu Micaelense, emphasising culture as an “expression of identity” and as an “affirmation of the Azores” in the country and the world.

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the progress made in recent years and the momentum created by Ponta Delgada’s bid to become European Capital of Culture.

“It is a source of pride to reach 2026 and feel that the bold decision taken a few years ago to bid for Ponta Delgada to become European Capital of Culture has led to a successful and engaging journey,” he said, stressing that this journey “does not diminish the strength and potential of Ponta Delgada and the Azores to establish themselves culturally at both a European and global level.”

The President of the Azorean Government also praised the model launched by the National Government to annually distinguish Portuguese cities with structured cultural programming.

“It was a good initiative by the National Government to consider, in addition to the application process for European Capital of Culture, that it could promote Portuguese identity by generating Portuguese cultural capital,” he said, adding: “Ponta Delgada and the Azores are proud to be the Portuguese Capital of Culture in 2026, expressing this pride in the name of Azorean identity.”

José Manuel Bolieiro also addressed the younger generation, linking youth involvement to the vitality of cultural projects.

“It is a great joy to see the future manifesting itself,” he said, addressing them.

The head of the Azorean Government described 2026 as an “auspicious year,” noting that it marks 50 years since the first democratic Portuguese Constitution, 50 years since the establishment of the political autonomy of the Azores, and the celebration of the governing bodies of the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

In this context, he emphasised that what is at stake is “the cultural identity of an island people, as a nation, an autonomous region and the Azores,” built “on the history of Portugal and the Atlantic,” with the skill and talent of art and artists.

Emphasising the collective work involved in the programme, the President of the Government considered it “a joy” to have a motivated team with civic drive to make this celebration a reality, reiterating that the cultural year is not limited to the municipality.

“This achievement will not only be for Ponta Delgada, but for the entire Azores, for our talent and ability,” he concluded.

After Aveiro in 2024 and Braga in 2025, Ponta Delgada will take on the title of Portuguese Capital of Culture in 2026, one year before Évora becomes European Capital of Culture.

The ceremony was also attended by the Commissioner for Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture, Kátia Guerreiro, the Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, the Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro do Nascimento Cabral, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, and the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Luís Garcia.

GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU