Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In the fifth article in this ongoing series on the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on the Portuguese, how the people arrived in the Hawaiian Islands, the culture and a few widely celebrated observances, with a focus on Festa and celebrating construction of the new Portuguese Cultural Center on O‘ahu.
Portuguese Arrival in Hawai‘i
With the rapid growth of Hawai‘i’s economy in the mid 1800s came the demand for more sugarcane plantation workers. In 1876, Portuguese Consul and Hawai‘i settler Jason Perry (Jacinto Pereira) suggested plantation owners could source workers from the Madeira and Azores islands of Portugal. Both regions were similar in climate to Hawai‘i. Sugarcane was a staple in these areas of Portugal for hundreds of years, so the inhabitants were knowledgeable about the industry. So in 1878, about 400 Portuguese migrants began settling in Hawai‘i. By 1911, the population quadrupled. Today, there are about 45,500 Portuguese descendants in Hawai‘i—3.14% of the population.
Culture and Tradition
Unlike other immigrant groups, Portuguese settlers often came to Hawai‘i with their entire families, establishing strong family lines and preserving their traditions. Few could read or write, so many of their traditional and cultural practices were oral. Today, Portuguese culture is an important part of local life. Many grew up eating linguiça (Portuguese sausage) and learning ‘ukulele, the instrument inspired by the braguinha/ cavaquinho used by Portuguese paniolo (cowboys). One Portuguese tradition that undoubtedly many are familiar with is making (and eating) malasadas. Traditionally, they were made to use up butter and sugar on Terça-feira Gorda—also known as Carnaval, Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday and Malasada Day—which took place the day before fasting for Lent began.
Festa Season
For the Portuguese diaspora, maintaining a connection to their homeland is a significant part of their identity. Festa (festival) celebrations are a prime example. Kicking off the season this year in July was the annual A Day in Portugal Festa by the Portuguese Culture & Historical Center (PCHC). Last month, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Hawai‘i Island hosted its Holy Ghost Festa to celebrate their heritage and express their faith. Finally, coming up on Sept. 17 is PCHC’s gala dinner in celebration of the upcoming construction of the new cultural center.
For more information, see PCHC’s website (portugueseculturehistoricalcenter.org) as well as Generations Magazine’s Facebook page (facebook.com/genmag808) and website calendar (generations808.com/calendar) for community events and opportunities.
The next article in this series will feature the influences of Filipino culture in Hawai‘i.
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