Today, I write from the heart. Setting aside the ethics and journalistic values that guide me, I could not resist sharing my opinion. Dear reader, they say distance brings people closer together. In the case of the Portuguese community in Canada, it has done the opposite: it has placed people into rigid boxes. What is troubling is not that the division exists, but that almost no one is shocked by it anymore.

There is an invisible map that today organizes parties, associations, friendships, and even silences. On one side, “those from the mainland.” On the other, “those from the islands.” And in between lies the question no one asks because the answer is uncomfortable: did we emigrate to become a Portuguese community, or to recreate the borders we already left behind in Portugal?

The division is felt everywhere. It is in the tables that form naturally at events, in the invitations that never arrive, in associations where certain names circulate with unspoken priority. It is not an open conflict. Worse than that, it has become a comfortable normality.

Here comes the uncomfortable part — the one many avoid because it touches pride, tradition, and memory. For decades, regional identity has been treated as heritage. And it is. But it has also been used as a boundary. In Canada, far away from everything, that boundary stopped being geographical and became social. Harder to see, easier to ignore.

The result is a community that calls itself “strong,” but functions like small identity archipelagos. Islands within islands. Mainlands within mainlands. Everyone talking about unity that… does not exist.

Then there is the new generation — often mentioned in speeches, rarely listened to in practice. For those born in Canada or raised between two worlds, this division no longer makes sense. It is not tradition. It is not culture. It is inherited noise. And perhaps that is why it unsettles so many people: it exposes that what is protected as identity may simply be an unquestioned habit.

There are young people — and not-so-young people — hearing that they are “not really from here nor there,” as if belonging were a test with correct answers.

And here is the uncomfortable truth: this division strengthens nothing. It merely manages old fragilities. It creates an illusion of authenticity, but the price is fragmentation. And a fragmented community does not disappear — it loses its voice. And we are losing ours.

The simple truth is this: the diaspora is not divided out of inevitability, but because of a lack of willingness to confront what is uncomfortable. Because unity requires giving up small symbolic powers.

As an Azorean, for example, I see no sense in fragmenting what already unites us. An anthem should not become a symbol of division, and creating parallel versions only weakens our shared identity. I admire Natália Correia and recognize the strength of our culture and our people, but I do not support that idea. My anthem is the one of “against the cannons” — and that is enough for me. You may start throwing stones now…

Perhaps the new generation is unsettling because it does not reject culture, but refuses to inherit walls. And how much longer will we confuse emigration with carrying borders behind us?

In this community, appearances are valued more than substance: quantity over quality, image over culture, visibility over impact. People live to show, but rarely to serve. Dear reader, renewal means adding, not dividing or excluding.

So the question remains: who is afraid of youth — or of those who, regardless of age, think outside the usual box?

Speaking for myself: I deeply love the Azores — every island I know like the palm of my hand — but I never forget that Portugal is a single, indivisible whole, greater than any one of its parts — a nation made of islands, mainland, and stories that complete one another.

I carry with me Minho, Alentejo, Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and the Algarve. I carry — or perhaps bring — an entire country that recognizes itself through difference and grows stronger through unity.

It is time — it is always time — for us to be better.

Romulo Ávila/MS

The Portuguese community in the Greater Toronto Area is frequently pointed out as one of the most dynamic in the Portuguese diaspora. And it undoubtedly is; however, a strong regional identification remains evident among the Portuguese and Luso-descendants residing here. Azoreans, Madeirans, and mainlanders sometimes seem divided or, if you prefer, distanced, as if each were in their own corner. This is a reality reflected in the various associations, clubs, and community structures.

This diversity undoubtedly represents an enormous cultural wealth, but at times it can hinder the assertion of a stronger collective voice. José A. Rodrigues, President of the Board of the General Assembly of the Casa da Madeira and Councilor for the Madeiran Diaspora in Canada, believes that regional differences are not, in themselves, a problem. With a vision full of lucidez and common sense, José A. Rodrigues argues that the challenge lies in ensuring that these identities function as elements of unity and not of separation.

Milénio Stadium: From your perspective, why does the separation between mainlanders, Azoreans, and Madeirans within the Portuguese community in the GTA remain so visible, even after several generations in Canada?

José A. Rodrigues: It is a complex issue that varies from community to community. In reality, I do not believe there is a true rift between Azoreans, Madeirans, and mainlanders. What exists is a natural tendency for people to connect more with those who share similar cultural, familial, and even linguistic references.

One of the reasons for this is tied to the very history of Portuguese immigration to Canada. The different groups arrived during distinct periods and created their own support networks, associations, clubs, and social circles. These structures were fundamental in helping newcomers integrate and ultimately consolidated very strong regional identities.

There is also an important generational factor. Many children and grandchildren of immigrants grew up hearing that they were Azorean, Madeiran, or Minhoto even before they identified as Portuguese. This pride in one’s origins was passed down within families and associations. However, I notice that among the younger generations, this distinction tends to be less relevant. Many young people identify first as Portuguese or Luso-Canadian, and only later with their regional origin.

MS: To what extent do you think this division has historical roots imported from Portugal, and to what extent is it something that gets reinforced within the Canadian context?

JAR: I think there are some historical roots brought over from Portugal, especially because the Azores and Madeira possess very distinct and deeply rooted identities. However, I would say that this reality is reinforced primarily within the context of the diaspora.

In Portugal, despite regional differences, people coexist daily with citizens from other regions without it constituting a significant barrier. A Madeiran living in Lisbon or an Azorean working in Porto rarely organizes their entire social life based around their regional origin.

In the diaspora, something different happens. When a community emigrates, it tends to preserve the identity it held at the moment of departure. Traditions, customs, and even certain regional rivalries or perceptions become, in a way, “frozen in time.” Furthermore, in the GTA, the initial support networks were created among people of the same regional origin, and associations grew around those identities.

There is also an emotional factor. Many immigrants did not just bring Portugal with them; they brought their island, their parish, or their municipality. For many Azoreans and Madeirans, this connection to their homeland became a central element of their identity. This is perfectly understandable and even admirable. The challenge only arises when regional pride stops being a factor of cultural enrichment and begins to create barriers to building a more united Portuguese community.

MS: What weight do cultural associations, clubs, and community structures carry in maintaining these regional identities instead of a more unifying Portuguese identity?

JAR: They carry significant weight, though not necessarily a negative one. Regional associations have played an essential role in preserving Portuguese culture in Canada. Without them, many traditions, customs, and even aspects of the language would have been lost over the generations.

Naturally, a Casa da Madeira exists to promote Madeiran culture, just as an Azorean club seeks to preserve the cultural heritage of the Azores. This is legitimate and important. The secondary effect is that these organizations also help perpetuate the regional identities that gave rise to them.

In the case of Madeirans, for example, one only needs to recall the purchase of Madeira Park in 1963, specifically with the goal of bringing the community together and preserving its traditions. Structures like that were so successful that they continue to shape community life several decades later.

However, I do not believe the main divisions are necessarily between Madeirans, Azoreans, and mainlanders. Often, the most evident differences arise between organizations, between generations, or even between different leadership styles. When associations collaborate with one another, regional distinctions tend to disappear quickly. The fundamental question is whether these identities function as bridges or as borders.

MS: Do you believe this internal fragmentation limits the Portuguese community’s capacity for political, social, and cultural assertion in Canada?

JAR: To a certain extent, yes. A community that acts in a dispersed manner has less capacity for mobilization and less influence than a community capable of articulating common goals.

When organizations work in isolation, human and financial resources become scattered, messages directed at political decision-makers become less consistent, and the capacity to attract younger generations diminishes. The institutional and media impact also ends up being smaller.

However, it is important not to confuse unity with uniformity. The Portuguese community will never be a single monolithic structure, nor does it need to be. Regional diversity is part of its richness. The challenge consists in ensuring that this diversity functions as a federation of common interests and not as a collection of isolated groups.

From my perspective, the most damaging fragmentation is not cultural, but rather institutional and, at times, personal. Over the years, the moments of greatest visibility for the Portuguese community occurred precisely when different organizations and leaderships managed to work together. In those moments, what prevails is not regional origin, but the collective strength of a community that represents thousands of Luso-Canadians.

MS: What could be done, from a practical standpoint, to bring these different regional backgrounds closer together without erasing their cultural specificities?

JAR: The solution is not to dilute regional identities, but to create more spaces for connection and collaboration among them.

It would be important to promote more joint events among Madeiran, Azorean, and mainlander associations, ranging from cultural festivals and conferences to fundraising initiatives for common causes. In the past, there have been positive examples of this spirit of cooperation, which demonstrated that it is possible to work together without losing the specificities of each group.

Another important measure would be the creation of permanent forums for dialogue between Portuguese organizations, allowing them to discuss common challenges and coordinate efforts. At the same time, we must invest more in youth. Young people tend to place less value on regional divisions and can play a decisive role in building a more integrated community through leadership projects, volunteering, and civic participation.

I also consider it important to promote a greater mutual understanding of the different regions of Portugal. Often, people know very little about the reality of other communities. The more knowledge there is, the greater the respect and closeness will be.

Ultimately, I think we need to evolve from a mindset of “we are Madeirans, Azoreans, or mainlanders” to a broader vision: we are Madeirans, Azoreans, and mainlanders, but we all belong to the same Luso-Canadian community. The richness of our community lies precisely in this diversity. The challenge is to transform it into a collective strength capable of benefiting everyone.

Madalena Balça/MS

The diversity that makes Toronto one of the most multicultural cities in the world has taken on new colors on Rogers Road with the inauguration of the Unity in Diversity mural.

The artwork, created by Peruvian artist Estefania Cox, better known as Fefa Cox, and produced by Creativo Arts in partnership with the Rogers Road BIA and Davenport Councillor Alejandra Bravo, was installed on a wall provided by GO Pharmacy with the support of its owner, Babak Khazra.

The mural depicts children wearing soccer jerseys from various countries, an image that represents the diversity of Toronto, Davenport, and the Rogers Road community. Amid vibrant colors and smiling faces, the artwork celebrates the coexistence of different cultures and the neighborhood’s spirit of unity.

Artist Fefa Cox emphasized that the project was born out of Toronto’s own diversity, a city where different cultures coexist daily and which she considers “unique.” She also explained that the mural celebrates unity, inclusion, and community through soccer—a universal language that brings people of all backgrounds together—highlighting children as a symbol of the future and reinforcing the importance of public art being close to the community.

Rodrigo Ardiles from Creativo Arts highlighted the collective impact of the initiative: “It is public art made with the community and for the community, which brings people together.”

Representing the Rogers Road BIA, Giovanny Restrepo reinforced the spirit of the neighborhood: “Here we are all different, but we are one community.” Davenport Councillor Alejandra Bravo emphasized the special moment the area is experiencing: “We are celebrating community and the joy of living together.”

The Deputy Consul General of Peru in Toronto, José Exebio, highlighted the pride in having a Peruvian artist participate in a project of great cultural value. Through soccer, a universal language, the mural transmits messages of friendship, respect, and inclusion at a time when Toronto and Vancouver are hosting matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The celebrations concluded with the “Soccer Lives Here” campaign in what was a true community festival. More than just a mural, this artwork leaves a message of unity, belonging, and community pride on Rogers Road. The mural can be visited at 324 Silverthorne Avenue, just off Rogers Road.

Francisco Pegado/MS

Photos: Adriana Paparella

Casa do Benfica de Toronto marked its 58th anniversary by hosting another golf tournament, an initiative integrated into ACAPO’s calendar of activities as part of the celebrations for the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities.

In an atmosphere of great camaraderie and high spirits, the annual tournament once again brought together dozens of participants, confirming its status as one of the most highly anticipated sporting activities in the Portuguese community. With ideal conditions for playing the sport, the day was defined by healthy competition, a spirit of friendship, and the celebration of Portuguese roots.

The president of Casa do Benfica de Toronto, John Santos, welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude for the community’s continuous support. “Thank God we are fully booked again. The community support couldn’t be better. I want to thank all the sponsors and everyone who likes to be with us and spend a very fun day,” he said.

John Santos also emphasized that, although this is a Casa do Benfica initiative, the main goal is to bring the Portuguese community together: “We are Benfica de Toronto, but we are Portuguese first. We are going to celebrate the Day of Portugal with our colleagues and with the whole community. And for anyone who wants to visit us, our doors are always open to everyone.”

Beyond the sporting aspect, the initiative also served to mark a date of great significance for Portuguese people both inside and outside of Portugal, strengthening the bonds that unite the Luso-Canadian community.

Golf, a sport that combines technique, concentration, and precision, also provided moments of socializing and contact with nature. It was precisely this balance that once again defined another edition of the tournament.

Along the course, participants from different clubs, generations, and backgrounds shared the same passion for golf in an open, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Between experienced players and beginners, the most important thing was the camaraderie and the opportunity to celebrate the community.

Paulo Pereira, a regular participant in the tournament, expressed his satisfaction with another edition of the initiative: “The day has been excellent. This is already the fourth time I’ve participated in this Casa do Benfica tournament. I’m not even a Benfica fan, but I support the initiative one hundred per cent,” he said, also taking the opportunity to share a special message: “I want to wish a happy Day of Portugal to everyone.”

Sara Dantas also highlighted the importance of the social connection provided by the initiative: “It’s a unique opportunity. I’m not a professional golf player, but I’m going to give it my best and I believe it will go well,” she said.

The participant also left an encouraging message for the community: “Believe in your dreams.” And, marking the Day of Portugal, she added: “Be proud of your country, be proud of your language, and, most importantly, we are going to win the World Cup.”

Precise swings, friendly challenges, and many moments of good humor marked this day on the golf courses. Between excellent plays, smiles, and reunions, Casa do Benfica de Toronto once again provided a memorable day where sport and community walked hand in hand.

More than a competition, the tournament was a celebration of friendship, unity, and pride in Portuguese traditions. It is an initiative that continues to bring generations together, strengthen community ties, and preserve Portuguese cultural identity in Canada.

Francisco Pegado/MS

Councils are warning England fans not to hang St George's Cross flags on public property during the World Cup to avoid being unwelcoming and divisive.

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In a Canada built on the strength of multiculturalism, the Portuguese community continues to assert itself through its roots, traditions, and collective identity. But within this reality lies a diversity that is often invisible to outside observers: Azoreans, Madeirans, and mainland Portuguese carry distinct migration histories, unique experiences, and strong regional ties that have helped shape the trajectory of the Luso-Canadian diaspora over the decades.

Although these differences have sometimes created more segmented communities, association leaders argue that internal diversity should not be seen as a dividing factor, but rather as one of the greatest strengths of the Portuguese presence in Canada. Between memories of immigration, cultural preservation, and challenges of representation, a new vision of unity is emerging today — a community capable of preserving its regional identities without losing the strength of a common voice.

It is within this context that Suzanne da Cunha, president of the Casa dos Açores of Ontario, and Matthew Correia, Azorean diaspora advisor, reflect on the past, present, and future of the Portuguese community in Canada.

Suzanne da Cunha: “Azorean, Madeiran and mainland identities strengthen the community”

In an interview, Suzanne da Cunha, president of the Casa dos Açores of Ontario, emphasizes that the perception of some separation between the different groups within the Portuguese community mainly results from “a historical migration process carried out in different phases and under distinct social realities.”

According to her, many Azoreans arrived in Canada in the 1950s and 1960s, often in contexts of greater economic vulnerability and with strong ties to agricultural and industrial labour. Emigrants from mainland Portugal arrived at different times and under different professional and social dynamics, which contributed to the creation of more segmented community networks.

“The way the community was initially organized, through neighbourhoods, churches, and associations linked to regional origins, helped create very strong bonds within each group, but also a natural separation between them,” explains Professor Suzanne da Cunha.

Despite this historical reality, she rejects the idea that regional differences represent a structural problem. On the contrary, she sees them as an asset.

“Azorean, Madeiran and mainland cultures complement each other. This diversity is a richness that makes our community more vibrant, more representative, and stronger within the Canadian multicultural mosaic,” she says.

However, she acknowledges that when these identities are lived too separately, they can limit the community’s ability to act collectively. “The challenge is not to eliminate differences, but to ensure they do not become barriers. Portuguese identity must be broad enough to include all its regional expressions,” she argues.

She also highlights, for example, that the Casa dos Açores of Ontario was the first organization to offer its facilities free of charge for Casa da Madeira events, and would do the same for any group in need of support.

For Suzanne da Cunha, institutions such as the Casa dos Açores of Ontario, social clubs, cultural associations, and media outlets play a key role in building bridges between generations and origins. These structures, she says, should invest in joint initiatives that bring together different segments of the community, from cultural events to national celebrations and youth-focused projects.

“We need more spaces for sharing between Azoreans, Madeirans, and mainland Portuguese. When we work together, our voice becomes stronger and more influential in the Canadian context,” she stresses.

Community media are also called upon to play an integrative role, highlighting shared narratives and stories of integration and success in Canada.

Despite historical and cultural differences, one point of convergence is becoming increasingly clear: the new generations. Born or raised in Canada, many young people already identify as Luso-Canadian, combining regional heritages with a broader Portuguese identity and a strong connection to their country of residence.

“That is the future we must invest in,” concludes Suzanne da Cunha. “A united Portuguese community in diversity, proud of its roots and, at the same time, able to speak with one voice when necessary.”

Matthew Correia defends valuing Azorean roots as an essential part of the Luso-Canadian community

Azorean emigration played a fundamental role in the formation of the Portuguese community in Canada, especially in the Greater Toronto Area. For Matthew Correia, Azorean diaspora advisor, this heritage remains alive in the identity of thousands of Luso-Canadians.

“They brought with them not only language and traditions, but also a deep longing for their islands,” he says.

From this connection to their origins emerged many of the community institutions still central to Portuguese life in Ontario today. Clubs, cultural associations, religious brotherhoods, and traditional festivals continue to show strong Azorean influence.

According to Correia, this legacy is present in celebrations of the Holy Spirit and Senhor Santo Cristo, in folklore groups, philharmonic bands, bullfighting-on-a-rope traditions, and festivals organized by entities such as the Casa dos Açores of Ontario and the Graciosa Community Centre.

For many children and grandchildren of immigrants, Azorean identity goes beyond a regional label. “Being Azorean is also a way of understanding our origins, culture, and connection to Portugal,” he stresses.

When asked about perceived distance between Azoreans and mainland Portuguese within the Luso-Canadian community, Matthew Correia acknowledges historical differences but rejects the idea of division. He explains that many Azoreans emigrated through different pathways and built networks closely tied to their islands of origin. In addition, the Azores have their own traditions, accents, and customs within Portuguese identity.

“The issue is not separation, but recognition,” he says. “Azoreans deserve to see their history and contributions reflected in the community. There are no first- or second-class Portuguese.”

With that goal in mind, Correia spearheaded the creation of the Azores Parkette in Little Portugal, Toronto. The space aims to honour the contribution of Azoreans to both the Portuguese community and Canadian society.

“There was a lack of a space recognizing the presence and legacy of the Azorean community,” he explains.

Regarding younger generations, he believes it is possible to preserve regional identities without losing community unity. “A young person can feel Canadian, Portuguese, and Azorean at the same time,” he says.

To achieve this, he emphasizes the importance of youth programs, Portuguese language education, cultural exchanges, and associative participation.

He also argues that Luso-Canadian institutions must be more inclusive and open to regional diversity. “We must be welcoming, not insular,” he says.

For him, internal diversity is one of the greatest strengths of the Portuguese community in Canada. “Unity does not mean everyone must be the same. The richness of our community lies precisely in the diversity of its traditions and experiences.”

“The goal should be to build a community united by a shared heritage and by the commitment to keep future generations connected to their Portuguese roots. Because, as the old saying goes: ‘Unity is strength,’” he concludes.

The remaining challenge is continuity: preserving the richness of roots without allowing them to become borders. It is in the ability to recognize internal diversity as a shared strength that the Portuguese community will find not only its unity but also its future relevance.

Ultimately, the message is clear — Portuguese identity in Canada is not defined by each person’s origin, but by the collective will to keep a shared heritage alive, open to the world and to future generations.

Romulo Ávila/MS

The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.

John Healey has resigned as defence secretary over Sir Keir Starmer’s defence investment plan, accusing the Prime Minister of failing to "meet the moment" over his long-delayed proposals to boost military spending.

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A summary of the most interesting stories in the past 24 hours that challenge the prevailing orthodoxy about the ‘climate emergency’, public health ‘crises’ and the supposed moral defects of Western civilisation.

The post News Round-Up appeared first on The Daily Sceptic.

A água é, indiscutivelmente, um dos dotes naturais que definem o Canadá. Desde as imponentes cabeceiras das montanhas até aos vastos rios boreais, o Canadá situa-se na confluência da geografia, do clima e de políticas que, juntos, moldam uma nação com alguns dos recursos de água doce mais significativos do mundo. Irei explorar a razão pela qual a água é um recurso tão sagrado para o Canadá, explicar por que razão temos preocupações em subestimar o seu valor e explicar o que torna o Canadá rico em água.

O Canadá alberga uma fatia notável dos recursos de água doce do mundo. Cerca de 20% da água doce mundial encontra-se dentro das fronteiras canadianas. A sua vasta geografia abrange milhares de lagos, rios, zonas húmidas e sistemas de águas subterrâneas. Estes dotes de água doce estão distribuídos de forma desigual, com as principais bacias hidrográficas em províncias como o Ontário, Quebeque, Colúmbia Britânica, Manitoba e as províncias das pradarias. As regiões do norte abrigam um extenso permafrost, alimentação glaciar e águas puras, enquanto as regiões do sul concentram uma grande procura urbana e agrícola. O manto de neve, o degelo da primavera e os ciclos de precipitação influenciam os caudais dos rios e os níveis das albufeiras.

As massas de água fazem parte da paisagem cultural do Canadá, dos direitos à água dos povos indígenas e das identidades regionais. A noção de proteger a água para as gerações atuais e futuras está enraizada nos debates políticos e nos esforços de conservação. A água é a pedra angular da produção de eletricidade no Canadá, fornecendo uma grande fatia de energia renovável e de baixas emissões. A irrigação e a gestão da água sustentam a produção alimentar em várias províncias. A água limpa é essencial para a indústria, para a saúde e para a vida quotidiana.

Estará o Canadá a desvalorizar a sua água?

Por um lado, o Canadá destaca frequentemente a abundância de água como uma força nacional. Por outro lado, os riscos associados à água — poluição, extração excessiva, infraestruturas envelhecidas e partilha transfronteiriça — sinalizam que este valor não está totalmente protegido. O envelhecimento das infraestruturas hidráulicas e o subinvestimento ameaçam a segurança da água potável, especialmente nas comunidades mais pequenas.

O que realmente torna o Canadá rico em água é o Escudo Canadiano: o sistema dos Grandes Lagos e do Rio São Lourenço, a bacia do Rio Mackenzie e as águas árticas em expansão conferem ao país uma pegada hidrológica enorme. Os glaciares e os mantos de neve de inverno funcionam como um armazenamento natural, regulando os caudais durante a primavera e o verão.

Cada vez mais canadianos começam a perceber a importância do nosso ativo mais valioso, e este precisa de ser protegido, especialmente de indivíduos como Trump, que tentam entrar à força no nosso país com táticas de intimidação (bullying). A intimidação de Trump tem tudo a ver com a captura dos nossos recursos de gás e de outros minerais naturais, mas a água é a chave. Por trás da recente retórica de Trump sobre o Canadá, o plano subjacente é capturar as nossas reservas de água e controlar-nos.

Para continuarmos a manter o controlo firme sobre as nossas reservas de água, precisamos de nos manter atualizados e inovadores para evitar que fiquem para trás, o que inclui a modernização de sistemas de água envelhecidos, estações de tratamento e defesas contra cheias. Precisamos de investir em infraestruturas verdes para mitigar o risco de cheias e melhorar a qualidade da água, além de aperfeiçoar as redes nacionais e regionais de monitorização da qualidade da água. É necessário investir em hidrologia informada pelo clima e em modelos preditivos para orientar o planeamento. Precisamos de alinhar as políticas provinciais/territoriais com os padrões nacionais para garantir uma proteção consistente… não podemos dar-nos ao luxo de ter outro desastre como o de Walkerton, que matou muitas pessoas devido à estupidez e a procedimentos descuidados porque os funcionários governamentais foram negligentes.

Os recursos hídricos do Canadá são uma característica definidora da nação, moldando a energia, a economia, a cultura e a gestão ambiental. Embora a abundância seja um trunfo poderoso, também acarreta responsabilidades de proteger a qualidade da água, de investir em infraestruturas resilientes e de garantir um acesso justo e sustentável para todos os canadianos. Ao adotar uma governação integrada, um planeamento baseado na ciência e uma gestão liderada por indígenas, o Canadá pode honrar a água como o recurso sagrado que ela realmente é — e continuar a prosperar com ela pelas gerações vindouras.

Em suma, a água não é apenas uma bebida, é uma linha de vida que sustenta a saúde, a alimentação, os ecossistemas, a energia e as economias. Cuidar da água significa cuidar da vida na Terra.

A água é o aliado mais paciente da vida… está sempre lá, é sempre essencial e está sempre pronta para nos refrescar, hidratar e sustentar.

Vincent Black/MS

The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.

A época de férias aqui por casa está ao rubro. Com isto, quero dizer que turistas de todo o lado estão a convergir para aqui, aproveitando o tempo fantástico. As minhas férias coincidem sempre ou estão diretamente ligadas às dos meus amigos e familiares que vão encontrando o caminho para cá. Raramente os planetas se alinham para que a minha esposa e eu tiremos tempo livre, por isso, o tempo que dedicamos a estar com as pessoas que vêm não apenas para ir à praia, mas também para nos incluir no seu itinerário, é como as férias que parece que não conseguimos tirar sozinhos.

Só nas últimas duas semanas, foram muitos quilómetros conduzidos, muitas noites deitados tarde e muitas refeições fantásticas. Um tio de visita vindo de Toronto, uma reunião de família organizada em redor do aniversário da minha irmã (primeiro em nossa casa, depois rumo a um restaurante para comer cabrito e bacalhau; a seguir, de volta a nossa casa). Sobrinha e sobrinho de visita com os respetivos namorados; a ver os pontos turísticos locais que deslumbram praticamente qualquer pessoa, e embora estes quatro já tenham viajado imenso, o nível de entusiasmo deles disse-me que aqui temos algo especial. Domingo, rumei ao Porto para ver os The Cure num estádio lotado. Aqueles sessentões tocaram um alinhamento de duas horas e meia! Foi espetacular ver uma banda tão icónica como aquela pela primeira vez. Nunca tinha visto tantas “velhas glórias” a usar roupas da banda.

Antes de tudo isto, tínhamos recebido um casal de queridos amigos de Toronto e, depois, um outro de Tomar, que veio visitar-nos trazendo bilhetes de teatro para os quatro. Isto é mais ação do que a que experienciamos num ano inteiro! Faz-me pensar que talvez precisemos de considerar ter um pouco mais de iniciativa. Estou a exagerar, mas percebem a ideia. Às vezes passamos demasiado tempo a pensar nas coisas, algo que, eventualmente, pode acabar por consumir todo o nosso tempo. Além disso, é bom fazer as coisas ao nosso próprio ritmo. É tão fácil encostarmo-nos e relaxar da mesma forma que fazemos sempre — diacho, até é muito prazeroso —, mas há tanta coisa por aí, mesmo aqui perto, que qualquer pessoa pode desfrutar. É como ser convidado para uma festa, não querer muito ir, mas não conseguir dizer que não, e logo após chegar, ficamos contentes por ter ido. Precisamos mesmo de tirar o rabo do sofá e começar a divertirmo-nos. Quem quer saber da CNN e da Netflix? Elas vão estar sempre lá, mas isso não significa que nós também tenhamos de estar. Uma das melhores jogadas que a minha esposa e eu retirámos da cartola foi cancelar a televisão por cabo.

Ficámos fartos e cansados de ver a mesma porcaria todos os dias. Isso foi há cerca de 12 anos. Desde então, vemos o que achamos interessante nos meia dúzia de canais de sinal aberto disponíveis. Na verdade, como três deles estão minados de telenovelas e reality shows, só temos mesmo três à escolha, num dia bom. Mas não faz mal, milagrosamente a pessoa encontra outras coisas para fazer! Quem diria! Mesmo à noite, há outras coisas para fazer além de ver televisão.

Vamos lá para fora, pessoal, quem sabe o que vão encontrar. Se puderem, fiquem acordados até bem tarde de vez em quando, eu acho isso energizante!

Fiquem bem!

Raul Freitas/MS