[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 83 (Friday, June 7, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   17TH ANNUAL PORTUGAL DAY FESTIVAL

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to New 
Jersey's Luso-Americans, who are in the midst of celebrating 2 weeks of 
festivities honoring their heritage and history. The 2-week celebration 
in Newark's ``Ironbound'' is one of the largest Portuguese celebrations 
in the world. This extraordinary event will culminate with the Grande 
Parade to be held on June 9, 1996.
  Over 1.5 million Luso-Americans have settled throughout the United 
States, with an estimated 200,000 Luso-Americans in the Garden State 
alone. In New Jersey, the largest concentration of Luso-Americans live 
in the ``Ironbound'' section of Newark. Through the years, they have 
turned an old neighborhood into a thriving and prosperous commercial 
and residential center. Their hard work and perseverance can be seen on 
the streets of Newark, especially Ferry Street, the heart of 
``Ironbound.'' Ferry Street is lined with many restaurants offering the 
delicate cuisine of Portugal. Luso-Americans have turned Ferry Street 
into a Portuguese city in miniature.
  The annual Portugal Day festival is a time for Americans of different 
nationalities to savor and enjoy the rich traditions of Portugal. 
Visitors from all over the country come to take part in the 
festivities, some of which are broadcast throughout the globe via 
satellite through Portugal's national TV, RTPI.
  Seventeen years ago, Bernardino Coutinho founded the festival and has 
strived every year to make it a wonderful event. The Bernardino 
Coutinho Foundation was established on May 22, 1992, to assume 
responsibility for organizing this 2-week festival. The festival is a 
part of the foundation's commitment to enhancing the cultural and 
social development of the community.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Luso-Americans 
throughout New Jersey as they celebrate their rich heritage. It is an 
honor to be representing such a remarkable group of people.

                          ____________________