Union County Celebrates Portuguese Heritage Month With Annual Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join in celebrating Portuguese Heritage Month during the County's annual Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in front of the historic Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.

"Union County is proud to celebrate the generations of Portuguese-Americans who have helped shape our communities through their hard work, traditions, values, and civic involvement," said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. "Events like this are an important reminder that the strength of Union County comes from the many cultures and communities that continue to contribute to its history and future."

The ceremony will recognize the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Portuguese-American community throughout Union County and beyond. The program will feature remarks from community leaders, cultural recognition, and the raising of the Portuguese flag alongside the American flag in front of the Courthouse.

"As a proud native of Elizabeth and Chairwoman of the PALCUS Board of Directors, I am honored to participate once again in the annual Portuguese flag raising here in Union County," said Katherine Soares. "This ceremony continues to serve as a meaningful tribute to the generations of Portuguese-Americans whose contributions have helped shape our communities. Across multiple municipalities in our county, our heritage is visible in the traditions we maintain, the values we share, and the lasting impact of our presence. Today is about more than a symbolic flag raising-it is a recognition of a community built on perseverance, unity, and a deep sense of pride in where we come from and what we continue to build together."

As part of the celebration, the dome of the Union County Courthouse will be illuminated in green, red, and gold in recognition of Portuguese Heritage Month from the flag raising until the date of the parade on Sunday, June 7^th.

The event is being held in partnership with local Portuguese-American organizations and community leaders, including representatives from PALCUS and the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee.

"Union County's continued support of our events is incredibly meaningful to the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee and to the Portuguese-American community as a whole," said Nicholas Almeida, President of the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee. "It is a tremendous honor to raise the Portuguese flag alongside the flag of the United States of America in front of our Union County Courthouse - a powerful symbol of the pride we have in both our Portuguese heritage and our American identity. By working together, we not only strengthen community partnerships throughout Union County, but also help preserve and celebrate Portuguese-American culture and traditions for future generations both here in Elizabeth and across the county. It is important that we continue to honor and remember those who came before us and built this community, while also inspiring younger generations to carry our culture and traditions proudly into the future."

Residents are also encouraged to participate in additional Portuguese Heritage Month celebrations and community events taking place throughout the month, including:

• Portuguese Flag Raising - June 5 at 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth
• Soccer Shootout - June 6 at Warinanco Park, Roselle
• Arraial Festival - June 6 at 5:00 p.m., Portuguese Instructive Social Club, 600 Grove Street, Elizabeth
• Portugal Day Parade - June 7 at 2:00 p.m., beginning at Union Square in Elizabeth
• PACA of Union Flag Raising and Community Celebration - June 9 at 7:00 p.m.
• Portugal Day Mass - June 10 at 8:00 p.m., Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street, Newark

For more information about the Portuguese Flag Raising Ceremony and upcoming county events, visit www.ucnj.org.