A one-off public holiday will be observed in Bermuda on November 4th 2019 to mark the 170th anniversary of the first Portuguese immigrants to Bermuda.
This continued immigration has resulted in about 25% of the population of Bermuda having Portuguese ancestry, of whom 79% have residency status.
Noting that Bermudians of Portuguese heritage have made considerable contributions to the Island, Premier David Burt announced that November 4th 2019 "will be declared a public holiday to mark the 170th anniversary of the arrival of the first Portuguese immigrants in Bermuda."
Speaking in the House of Assembly when the holiday was announced, the Premier said "Those first immigrants arrived from Madeira aboard the vessel the Golden Rule on 4th November 1849. After a 21-day voyage, 35 men, 16 women and 7 children arrived to work principally as farm labourers.
"Although these first immigrants were from Madeira, Honourable Members will also be aware that subsequently, the majority of Portuguese immigrants would come primarily from the Azores," Premier Burt added.
