My name is Silvia, and my passion has always been to celebrate and uplift our Portuguese community. As the host of The Portuguese Collective Podcast, I’ve made it my mission to create a space where Portuguese creators, entrepreneurs, and cultural influencers can share their journeys, highlighting their struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. Our stories matter, and I believe in preserving our culture in a way that makes younger generations feel connected, inspired, and proud.
This magazine is an English-language publication created by us, for us! A safe place where the children of immigrants can shine without ever feeling like they aren’t “Portuguese enough” to celebrate their roots This platform is about recognizing those who work tirelessly to keep our Portuguese communities alive across the United States and Canada. Every article, feature, and story is brought to you by the journalists, writers, and creators within our own community, and we encourage you to support them in every way possible.
Whether it’s following them on social media, engaging with their work, or simply letting them know you appreciate their efforts, your support makes a difference. These creators are doing incredible work to keep our traditions alive, and together, we can ensure that our culture not only survives but thrives for generations to come.
SilviaManuela
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR IN CHIEF
SILVIA MANUELA COSTA
PROOFREADER/COPY EDITOR
JENNIFER RAPOSA LUEDTKE
FEATURES
HELDER SOUSA
MIA FERNANDES
IDALINA MENDOZA
CHINO CALIFORNIA
CRISTINA MARTIN
9 STAR BAKERY
CONTENT SUPPORT
DAN ROCHA
ERICA CARDOSO
PORTUGUESE TRIBUNE
DANNY PINTO
SAN JOSE SHARKS
TAYLOR AMARANTE
CME LLC
PFSA
BANDA VELHA - PBSJ
CREATORS/TPC PODCAST
KITTY THAT CORISCA
TORI COSTA
THE BAR
JOAOS LIST
RESIDENT STORY TELLERS
NEZIA D. ANTHONY ESTEVES
DEVIN MEIRELES
FASHION EDITOR
CLAUDIA AVILA
THANK YOU / OBRIGADO
ABOUT THECOVER
Captured on May 1st, 2024 during theLaborDayparadeinLisbon,this photograph wasn’t planned and that’s what makes it so special. The manintheimagewasn’tevenpartof the parade. But as photographer Sousa Image Works noticed the red flag flowing behind him like a cape, the moment transformed into something cinematic and symbolic. Hejokinglynamedthefigure“Super Manny,” a quiet everyday hero walking through the streets of Lisbon. There’ssomethingdeeplyPortuguese about this image strength without spectacle,pridecarriedcasually,and emotion woven into ordinary moments. Even down to the traditional lapas slippers, the photo capturesafamiliarspiritmanyinour communityinstantlyrecognize. Sometimesthemostpowerfulimages aren’t staged at all. They simply happen when culture, timing, and storytellingmeetinasingleframe.
SPOTLIGHT Creator
Featuring Helder Sousa
Rooted in Culture. Driven by Craft.
HELDER HELDER SOUSA SOUSA
Helder Sousa is an Helder Sousa award-winning award-winning freelance photographer freelance in Massachusetts, proud in Massachusetts, proud of his Portuguese of his Portuguese American heritage. His American His photography celebrates photography Portuguese culture and Portuguese and traditions, earning traditions, earning recognition from local recognition local media and the media community. His portfolio community. His portfolio includes the includes International International Portuguese Music Portuguese Music Awards and local events, Awards local showcasing his showcasing dedication to preserving dedication to memories and memories highlighting the pride highlighting the and unity of the and of Portuguese community. Portuguese community.
FALL RIVER
M A S S A C H U S E T T S
COVER STORY
SOUSA IMAGE WORKS
Helder Sousa is an award-winning Luzó-American photographer based out of Boston, Massachusetts. Known for his vibrant and cinematic portrayal of the Portuguese culture he loves, Sousa captures the rhythms, colors, and textures that define Portuguese communities locally and abroad. A storyteller at heart, Sousa blends his deeply rooted reverence for tradition and a modern eye for detail, yielding poignant and poetic images that reflect the community from the vitality and musicality of street life to the brilliance of landscapes to celebratory events like the IPMAs. In addition, Sousa has been fortunate enough to capture intimate portrayals of musicians and performers among them Nuno Bettencourt, Calema, Barbara Bandeira, and others highlighting their expressive range, emotional depth, and artistry As the founder of Sousa Image Works, Sousa sees the next chapter in his photographic story as one focused on maintaining the authenticity and humanness in the medium that he loves
SOUSAIMAGEWORKS HELDERSOUSA
SPOTLIGHT Community Leader
Featuring Mia Fernandes
Built on Heritage. Driven by Unity.
MIA MIA FERNANDES FERNANDES California
COMMUNITY CULTURE &
Mia Fernandes is an 18-year-old senior at Escalon High School with a deep-rooted passion for her Portuguese heritage. Some of her most cherished memories are tied to her culture especially festas and her involvement in Luso, where tradition, community, and identity come to life.
A dedicated and driven student, Mia balances a full schedule that includes the Future Farmers of America (FFA), the First Responders Program, ASB Leadership, and school athletics. Despite her many commitments, her heart remains deeply connected to the Portuguese community. She takes pride in sharing its traditions, values, and vibrant culture with others.
During her sophomore year, Mia and her best friend revived the Escalon High School Portuguese Club Through this initiative, they created a space for students to explore their heritage learning about Portuguese food, language, traditions, and even opportunities to travel to Portugal. This experience further ignited Mia’s passion for cultural advocacy and connection.
For the past 10 years, Mia has been an active member of Youth Council #8 within the Luso American Fraternal Organization Throughout her time in the council, she has taken on multiple leadership roles and expanded her involvement by running for state office. Over the past three years, she has served on the Youth State Board as Trustee, Inside Guard, and currently as Vice President.
LUSO AMERICAN
Through her leadership, Mia was selected as a Youth Social Media Ambassador for the organization. In this role, she combines her passion for culture with her interest in marketing and digital media, helping manage the Luso TikTok platform. Through her content, she shares Portuguese traditions and encourages others regardless of background to engage with and appreciate the culture. Mia has also deepened her connection to her heritage through music. She has developed a love for Fado, a traditional Portuguese style of singing, and has had the opportunity to perform on stage alongside some of her role models; an experience she holds close to her heart.
As she prepares to age out of youth council this year, Mia will take the stage one final time as a Luso dancer in Reno, Nevada. While this marks the end of one chapter, it is far from the end of her journey. Mia remains committed to continuing her work in preserving, celebrating, and sharing Portuguese culture for years to come.
FOLLOW MIA
Connect with Mia!
Chino, California
Beyond the Crown
Carrying Faith, Heritage & Tradition Forward
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY Snaps of Life | EC Photography
ARTICLE BY Erica Cardoso
Audri DaCosta
At just 16 years old, Audri Dutra DaCosta proudly represents the future of the Portuguese-American community while honoring its rich past A junior in high school, tri-athlete, and active member of Carnaval and the Luso American community, Audri embraced the role of Senior Queen in 2025 as both an honor and a continuation of a journey that began when she served as Junior Queen in 2018 As a second-generation Portuguese American, she treasures the opportunity to celebrate alongside family and friends, travel throughout California's Portuguese communities, and deepen her connection to the faith and traditions passed down from her Terceira ancestors The most meaningful moment of her reign was receiving the Holy Spirit blessing in church, one that strengthened her relationship with God and reinforced the responsibility of representing Chino with humility, respect, and pride. Inspired by the dedication of her family and community, Audri hopes her legacy reflects faith, family, and tradition, while encouraging future generations to embrace their Portuguese heritage and carry these cherished customs forward.
“I wear this crown not for myself but for my family, my Portuguese community, my ancestors who brought these traditions from Terceira, and the future generations who will continue them with the same pride and faith.” - Audri
Junior Sidemaids: Alyson Da Rocha Shelby Avila
“Some advice I would give to the next group of queens is that it's a big responsibility, but keep kindness, leadership, and a will to serve in the center of your year.” - Monroe
Monroe Tavares
At12 years old, Monroe Tavares proudly serves as Chino D.E.S. Hall's 2025–2026 Junior Queen, carrying forward a tradition deeply rooted in faith, family, and Portuguese heritage Inspired by her mother and guided by the example of her grandparents, Monroe embraces every opportunity to represent St Isabel, the Holy Spirit, and the Chino community Through Carnaval, folklore, and visits to Portuguese celebrations throughout California, she has strengthened her connection to her culture while creating lasting memories with friends and family She has learned that it takes many people behind the scenes to make it all possible The most meaningful moments for Monroe is getting to see the younger generation inspired by what she is doing and wanting to be involved like she is Monroe hopes her year as Junior Queen will inspire others to become involved, preserve Portuguese traditions, and lead with kindness, respect, and pride. She is hopeful that the traditions she is participating in will be around for future generations to come.
Idalina Silva Sousa Mendoza is the author of the bilingual book Island Girl: Menina da Ilha, A Collection of Memories. Born and raised on the island of Flores in the Azores, Idalina draws inspiration from her childhood, weaving heartfelt stories that reflect culture, heritage, and moments of simplicity, resilience, and connection.
A dream she has carried since the age of eight, writing has always been part of her journey. Island Girl is intended for readers of all ages and can be enjoyed across generations, whether read independently or shared with children and grandchildren.
Now living in California, Idalina continues to honor her roots through her writing, preserving the spirit of her homeland for future generations. This book is her way of preserving her past while sharing her present with others. She takes pride in incorporating her Portuguese heritage into her daily life through cooking, fashion, and spirituality, and hopes to inspire others to celebrate their own heritage in their own way.
She is a wife and mother who finds joy in nature, especially hiking and running. When she is not working or writing, she can often be found on the trail, embracing the simple joys of everyday life. And she never turns down a high tea invitation or a glass of wine.
CONTINUED IDALINA MENDOZA
RESIDENT FASHION EDITOR
Summer picks for the season by Portuguese designers.
Behen
By:ClaudiaAvila By: Claudia Avila
Luis Carvalho
BabaBobo
Alameda Turquesa
Fernanda Lamelas
Lemonade Collective
Asportuguesas
Tendências em Ação Trends in Action
Emma Chamberline dressed designed by Miguel Castro Freitas of Mugler for the Met.
Bella Hadid wore Alameda Turquesa at Cannes.
Dua Lipa Luis Onofre shoes for a Nespresso campaign x Willy Chavarria
NEZIA D.
Nezia brings warmth, tradition, and a dash of nostalgia to The Portuguese Collective Magazine. From cherished family dishes passed down through generations to memories that capture the heart of our culture, Nezia’s contributions are more than just food they’re a celebration of heritage. Her passion for keeping Portuguese flavors and traditions alive shines through in every recipe and every tale she shares.
Resident Tpc storyteller
What is incredible about our Portuguese culture is that every season has its reason, its feel and its tradition.
Growing up Micaelense this time of year meant ample new dresses and shoes for all the invites to Domingas and processions; visits from distant family and friends and traditional food such as Holy Ghost soup, as Sopas do Divino Espírito Santo. Although varied from one region, one island to the other, it marked a special time of devotion, unity and savoury aroma for many of us.
One of my most favorite cultural experiences was the coming together as a community in our simple parish hall, dressed up proudly for O Divino Espírito Santo (Holy Ghost), surrounded by cultural pride, immense faith and emotion and of course simple, comforting and delicious food- AsSopas!
One of my first solo trips to São Miguel in my teens, landed me in the middle of peak town feasts. My paternal grandparents Avó Gloria and Avô Joaquin lived na Rua do Carneiro - Hub to the house of the Holy Spirit and the Hub of Mãe de Deus celebrations.
This meant that a sleepover in their attic had me rising to the sounds of the Migalha, (the collection of the offerings for the feast), horns honking, marching bands, cows mooing, excited children, people loudly directing this part or that part and the intense smells of large pots of carne Guizada (stewed beef and potatoes) for the “Breeders Dinner” (O Jantar dos Creadors), who spent their year planning, growing and preparing for the feast.
My grandparents were always gifting ample sweet bread, fresh bread, plates of sweets and traditional desserts, wine and of course the main item - the meat, for making the traditional soup and stews. This particular year we were invited to the dinner and I recall a paper booklet being distributed with the Hino do Divino Espírito Santo - the anthem sung before the blessing of the meat and dinner. Growing up very shy, I kept the pamphlet observing the large group first before something took over me and I couldn’t contain myself from joining in with the crowd who sang, their way, as the honour of singing this praise overrode any shyness or untuned voices - it humbled you. This pamphlet still exists in a memory box, a reminder of a time that humbled me, empowered me and brought me closer to my roots
You can never erase these sounds and aromas they become permanently embodied in your spirit! I hope you enjoy my version of Holy Ghost soup, tender meat simmered for hours in an aromatic broth coupled with a terrine full of bread soaked in this delicious broth perfumed with fresh mint- simplicity, tradition, Holy Ghost Soup!
HINO DO DIViNO ESPIRITO SANTO
Alva pomba, que meiga apareceste, Ao Messias no Rio Jordão, Estendei Vossas asas celestes, Sobre os povos do orbe cristão.
Refrão: Vinde, Ó vinde entre nuvens de glória,
Entre os anjos e bênçãos de amor, Entre cantos de eterna vitória, Que os Querubins vos elevam ao Senhor. Que os Querubins vos elevam ao Senhor.
Quem aos pobres seus braços estende, Quem lhes veste, seus ombros tão nus,
Achará que tudo isto só tende, Para honra e glória da Cruz.
Ofertai as mais belas oferendas, Ofertai-as em nome de Deus, Colhereis lá um dia mil prendas, Ao entrardes no reino dos Céus.
Trará a rosa e ramos de louro, Quem esmola melhor não tiver, Assim mesmo oferece um tesouro, Ganhará um brasão de esmoler
Semeando vosso ouro entre os pobres, A colheita do céu a fareis, O triunfo dos povos tão nobres, Só no seio de Deus achareis.
The Atlantic has always been a lusophone bridge. For the team at Popsec Studios, it is more than geography; it is memory, identity, and a story waiting to be told.
Born on the island of Madeira, Popsec Studios has built a reputation for crafting powerful visual narratives through film and photography. Their work has ranged from feature-length productions to publicly funded cultural presentations, all rooted in a deep admiration for what we call home. "Insulanas" is their newest movie that brings together several creators from Madeira.
The film reflects on identity, territory and connection to the island, through three intertwined stories that explore what it means to belong. As that film nears its release in cinemas and on the festival circuit, Popsec Studios remains immersed in new productions, continuing to craft stories they look forward to sharing with audiences.
Now, their lens has widened. In an ambitious endeavour, the filmmakers have turned their focus outward to the Portuguese diaspora, exploring how culture evolves when it crosses oceans Their ongoing documentary project seeks to capture the living heartbeat of immigrant communities, revealing how traditions endure, adapt and thrive far from the motherland.
Their journey has taken them into the soul of lusophone communities across Canada and the United States: visiting family-run restaurants serving traditional dishes, bakeries dusted in powdered sugar and tradition, churches hosting rituals passed down through generations, museums and social clubs where history is not archived but lived. Through music, parades and festas, they are documenting how identity can remain intact, even continents away
Most recently, they have returned to Toronto to continue filming, deepening their exploration of one of the largest and most influential Portuguese communities outside of Portugal It’s a homecoming of sorts, not to the island, but to the extended family Portugal has created abroad
Amidst the neighbourhood streets shaped by decades of immigration, they are gathering stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride Little Portugal is still emblematic of the community and a focal point for their expedition. They also intend on visiting a number of cultural clubs while meeting with respected community leaders to spotlight those upholding the culture.
Moreover, the tradition of dance is a topic of interest, to which the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga received the production crew to capture their impressive Rancho Folclorico On Saturday, March 7, the very first Multicultural Youth Festival took place, presenting a vibrant celebration of culture The family-friendly event highlighted their glorious efforts to preserve multicultural communities through folklore and brought together young performers in a joyful, welcoming atmosphere It was a wonderful demonstration of heritage. Gatherings such as this stand as a testament to the strength of their engagement and how the Portuguese heritage continues to reinvent itself in modern times
Moreover, the tradition of dance is a topic of interest, to which the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga received the production crew to capture their impressive Rancho Folclorico On Saturday, March 7, the very first Multicultural Youth Festival took place, presenting a vibrant celebration of culture The family-friendly event highlighted their glorious efforts to preserve multicultural communities through folklore and brought together young performers in a joyful, welcoming atmosphere
It was a wonderful demonstration of heritage. Gatherings such as this stand as a testament to the strength of their engagement and how the Portuguese heritage continues to reinvent itself in modern times.
Each frame of this documentary will carry the signature craftsmanship Popsec Studios is known for: elegant composition, thoughtful editing, and storytelling that honours its subjects Through candid interviews and reflective moments, they are uncovering the immense contributions Portuguese immigrants have made to the multicultural fabric of their adopted cities.
This film promises to be more than documentation It is preservation It is a celebration It is an homage to the invisible thread that binds Portugal to its diaspora across the Atlantic and a poetic reminder that home is not confined to geography, but carried in language, food, faith and memory
As the project continues, one thing is certain: wherever the Portuguese story lives, Popsec Studios intends to follow. The production team from Madeira includes Jeff de Gouveia, an entrepreneur and master tour guide whose charisma on screen feels effortless and inviting, while behind the camera there is André Moniz Vieira, a filmmaker with a careful eye for perspectives, capturing everything from vast ocean horizons to the mannerisms that make us unique Together, their creative synergy produces work that feels both polished and personal, inspiring viewers to see, travel, and reconnect
SPOTLIGHT Business
Featuring Cristina Martin, Learn Portugal
Celebrating Portuguese Entrepreneurship.
LEARN PORTUGAL
ABOUT CRISTINA
Cristina Martins is a Portuguese-Canadian mother, creative entrepreneur, and co-
founder of Learn Portugal, a children’s
educational brand created to help families
keep European Portuguese alive at home
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada,
Cristina grew up surrounded by Portuguese
language, culture, and community. Her
family is from a small village near Vila Verde in Northern Portugal, and some of her most
meaningful childhood memories are of spending summers in Portugal with family
and cousins She attended Portuguese
school, Portuguese church, and community
events; experiences that helped shape her
deep connection to her heritage. In her
teenage years, she was also involved in a
Portuguese youth group, volunteering to
help raise funds for the local Portuguese
community and helping organize local
Portuguese pageants
When Cristina became a mother, passing
on the Portuguese language became even
more important While looking for
Portuguese books and learning materials
for her children, she realized how difficult
it was to find simple, engaging resources
in European Portuguese, especially in
North America. Many available materials
were Brazilian Portuguese, and few were
designed with young bilingual children in
mind That need inspired her to create
Learn Portugal in 2021 while she was
pregnant with her daughter What began
as a personal project for her own family
has grown into a collection of European
Portuguese resources for children,
including handwriting practice workbooks,
a bilingual storybook, a coloring book, and
free printable worksheets Cristina leads
the creative vision, book development,
social media, and brand direction, while
her husband supports the business
through design, development, and
technical operations.
Cristina’s mission is to make
European Portuguese feel more approachable for families raising
children outside of Portugal.
Her resources are designed especially for
children ages 2-10 and support bilingual households, including families where one parent may not speak Portuguese but
still wants to be part of their child’s language journey.
Before Learn Portugal, Cristina worked as a photographer, a creative
background that continues to influence the thoughtful design and visual style of her books
In December 2025, his wife, Erica, suggested that he begin making sweet bread at home. Their initial plan was to start slowly by selling exclusively to Fernandes Linguica in Tracy, California, a business that had previously sold his products during his time as a bakery owner.
After delivering his delicious sweet bread to Fernandes on a Friday in early February, he received two phone calls the following day from people asking if he was the creator of the sweet bread they had bought. Within 24 hours, his sweet bread made its way from Rancho Cordova to Tracy and then to Petaluma. Soon after, word of his return to sweet bread production spread like wildfire.
TRICKSTER
A T h r i l l e r
Holly jumped up from the counter and ran to the door. She swung it open and stepped outside onto the front porch. The street light on the driveway provided enough light to see out to the fence on all sides of the property. Holly turned her head toward Sandy’s house. Sandy’s home had lights on nearly every corner of the structure, and each one was on, giving Holly a clear visual of the property. She thought she saw a figure run through the surrounding brush, but she couldn’t be sure. What she was able to see was the front door to Sandy’s house was wide open Holly turned back to her mother and said “Call 9-1-1 Lock the door behind me ” “Where are you going?” Ava asked, worried for her daughter. Holly responded, “Just stay inside and send them to Sandy’s house. Go now. ” Ava went back inside and closed the door behind her. Holly jumped down the stairs and ran to her car. She opened the driver’s side door and reached under her seat, pulling out her personal Springfield XP .40 caliber handgun. She slightly pulled back on the slide to verify a round was in the barrel. She slid it back and began to run toward Sandy’s home. In one motion, Holly placed her left hand on the property fence and leapt over it, easily clearing it, landing on her feet and continuing to run Her years of softball and track, along with her training at the department, kept her in great shape. Holly sprinted across the property until she got within fifty feet of the front door. She raised her gun and began to slowly scan the property. From where she was , she had a forty-five degree view of the front door. At the moment, the property was silent. The screaming Holly had initially heard at her mother’s had not been heard since. “Sandy?!” Holly yelled. No response. “Sandy, it’s Holly! Can you hear me?” No response. Holly slowly made her way to the front steps of Sandy’s home. Before she could take a step forward, a loud snap was heard in the distance Holly turned with lightening speed and pointed her firearm at the sound In her sights was a deer, its hooves having just snapped a thick twig on the ground. Holly exhaled and turned back to the door. As she slowly took each step, she could hear what seemed like a gurgling sound. A sound comparable to air escaping as water flows through a hole. Holly took a few slow steps and made it to the front door entrance. She was now aware of what was making that sound and it took a moment for her to take in the entire scene. Lying on the ground, covered head to toe in her own blood, was Sandy. She had multiple stab wounds to her abdomen and her throat was viciously slit The sound was coming from Sandy’s attempts to talk while the air escaped through her neck. Holly took a quick glimpse around the house and then dropped to the floor and attempted to stop the bleeding. “Sandy, Look at me, ” Holly said. “I need you to stay calm. Don’t try to talk. We’ve called 9-1-1. Keep your eyes on me. ” Sandy tried to focus on her, but she continued to open and close her mouth. Holly looked her in the eyes. “Sandy,” Holly said. “Did you see who did this?” Sandy nodded, but she couldn’t put together any words. “Was it a man? Blink once if it was a man. ” Sandy blinked. “Okay, that’s good. Now, did you recognize the man? Have you seen him before?” Sandy tried to say something, but suddenly her motions began to slow down Her mouth movements had stopped. Her eyes were becoming fixed. She was fading away. “No, no, no. Stick with me, Sandy,” Holly exclaimed. It was no use. Sandy’s body had gone limp and her chest was no longer rising or lowering. “Sandy?... Sandy?...” Sandy was gone. A single tear streamed down Holly’s cheek. She and Sandy had a history. They were friends once. They had shared so much together. They were both at Preston Castle that Halloween night so many years ago; a night that changed their relationship forever. Now, Holly held Sandy’s lifeless body in her arms, sitting in a pool of Sandy’s blood, as the flashing lights of the town sheriff’s car danced along the walls of Sandy’s home.
