Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of June at the TDSB and has been since 2011. The Province of Ontario passed the Celebration of Portuguese Heritage Act in 2001.
This year our theme is Unidos/United!
The contributions of the Portuguese-speaking community to Canada are significant as they include the arts, sports, music, culinary arts, and many professional contributions to education and medicine. Canadians, along with all TDSB students, staff, and its communities all enjoy the energetic and vibrant traditions that are shared through the customs of the Portuguese-speaking community. Over 1,400 TDSB students speak Portuguese as their mother tongue or as a primary language. Internationally, there are 250 million Portuguese-speaking people, making it the fifth-most spoken language in the world.
An invitation is being extended to all students, staff and the larger TDSB community to attend the annual Portuguese Parade taking place on Saturday, June 8th, 2024! This vibrant and colourful parade brings the Portuguese-speaking community together and experience traditional music, dance, and food! All are welcome to join the fun and celebrate Luis de Camoes, poet and writer of Portuguese heritage who is regarded as a national literary icon. All wishing to participate in the parade are asked to meet at 8:00 am in the Lansdowne and Bloor Street area. There will be clearly identified parade volunteers in the area to assist to locate the TDSB vehicle. The parade starts at 9:00 am and the parade route starts at Lansdowne Avenue and College Street, and continues along Dundas Street West to Ossington Avenue. A limited amount of TDSB: Unidos/United t-shirts will be provided to participants!
An in-person celebration was held with significant guest speakers, dignitaries, and performances to mark Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month committee at Bloor CI and Central Technical Highlights are being shared with you in this video. Enjoy!
Please follow us on Twitter @TDSB_PSHM.