Guests at a recent lecture heard about the Portuguese community’s cultural contributions to Bermuda.

The event, which was hosted by the Department of Culture as part of its Bermudian Heartbeats lecture series, was held last Thursday at the Bermuda National Gallery.

According to a release, it was undertaken by the department in collaboration with the Portuguese Cultural Association of Bermuda. The lecture centred on the topic 175 Years of History: The Portuguese in Bermuda.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, emphasised the importance of embracing shared cultures.

He said the Portuguese had “greatly enriched Bermuda’s cultural landscape”.

Mr Darrell added: “The story of the Portuguese in Bermuda is a vivid tapestry woven with skills, traditions, and stories that have significantly influenced our way of life.”

He told the audience that the Portuguese introduced advanced farming techniques, established pivotal economic avenues through commerce as well as entrepreneurship and agriculture to the island.

He said: “Bermuda's Portuguese community has been instrumental in the growth and prosperity of our island.”

Mr Darrell hailed the lecture as “not just an academic exercise, but a celebration of the enduring bond between Bermuda and the Portuguese communities of the Azores, Madeira, Portugal, and Cape Verde”.

“This connection enriches us, bringing diverse perspectives and strengthening the cultural fabric that makes Bermuda uniquely vibrant and resilient,” the minister added.

Eduardo Medeiros, a distinguished Azorean historian and author, was guest speaker at the event.

Mr Medeiros is undertaking research for a book which will highlight the arrival of Bermuda's first Portuguese emigrants in 1849.

Mr Darrell expressed appreciation to the Portuguese Cultural Association for its “invaluable assistance” in making the historian’s visit possible.

He said Mr Medeiros’ work, which was commissioned by the Azorean Emigrant Association and supported by the 175th Anniversary Commemorations Committee of Portuguese Emigration to Bermuda, “is crucial to understanding the layers of our shared histories”.

Richard Ambrosio, chair of the Portuguese Cultural Association and Andrea DeSouza, president of the 175 Commemorations Committee and the Azorean Emigrant Association, were both recognised for assisting in making the lecture possible.