Rhode Island
RI Day of Portugal parade names 2026 grand marshals
2026 Day of Portugal Festival and Parade dates, lineup and more
Rhode Island’s Day of Portugal — June 5-7 in Providence: live music, food, dance & family fun; parade
Maria João “MJ” Albuquerque Martins and John Furtado will serve as the grand marshals of the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade.
Martins, a longtime RI Day of Portugal volunteer, will be recognized for “her lifelong dedication to preserving and uplifting Portuguese culture in Rhode Island,” according to RI Day of Portugal officials.
Furtado will be recognized for his “lifelong dedication to volunteerism, cultural preservation, and service to the Portuguese‑American community.”
“This year we honor two of the most humble and hardworking individuals who have supported not only RI Day of Portugal, but many Portuguese organizations across Rhode Island,” said James Ferreira, president of the RI Day of Portugal Committee.
“These are the people who roll up their sleeves, the ones in the kitchen, cleaning up, setting up, and making things happen,” he added. “They represent the true spirit of service and community, and I’m deeply grateful for their dedication.”
The 49th Annual Rhode Island Day of Portugal Parade will step off Sunday, June 7 at 3 p.m. from the Rhode Island State House. It will proceed to Smith Street Terrace, Canal Street, Memorial Boulevard and South Water Street, and end at 195 District Park.
From Clube Juventude Lusitana to RI Day of Portugal, Martins’ leadership, cultural preservation and community impact
Martins, a native of Maputo, Mozambique, has dedicated her life to preserving and promoting Portuguese culture in Rhode Island through leadership, education and the arts.
“Maria João’s lifelong commitment to service, cultural preservation, and community pride embodies the spirit of Portugal — resilient, vibrant, and deeply rooted in tradition,” according to RI Day of Portugal officials.
Martins joined the Clube Juventude Lusitana at age seven, later mentoring students and strengthening its cultural programs.
After studying at the University of Coimbra, she returned to Rhode Island and served the organization in multiple roles, including secretary, public relations officer and interim director of its Portuguese school, where she led a successful transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A recognized photographer, Maria João has earned several awards, including honors from the Pawtucket Annual Mayor’s Calendar.
For more than 15 years, she has volunteered with the Rhode Island Day of Portugal, serving as art and culture coordinator and organizing exhibits across the state. Her 2025 exhibit at the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket marked the first presentation of Portuguese history and culture at the Smithsonian-affiliated site.
Martins said she was grateful and honored to serve as grand marshal.
“Thank you to the RI Day of Portugal directors, members, and the community for this meaningful recognition,” Martins said. “Let us continue to stay united through our roots and traditions, preserving our heritage for future generations.”
Furtado honored for ‘quiet dedication, cultural pride, and a heart that leads through action’
Born in Pawtucket, Furtado has spent more than 40 years dedicated to community service and preserving Portuguese traditions in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
“Those who know him speak of a man with a big heart, a gentle spirit, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people and traditions he serves,” RI Day of Portugal officials said, noting that he has never sought recognition for his efforts.
“His service has always been rooted in sincerity and a genuine desire to give back,” they added. “His lifelong commitment to service reflects the very best of our community — quiet dedication, cultural pride, and a heart that leads through action.”
A second-generation Portuguese American, Furtado began volunteering at age 15 at churches and cultural organizations, including St. Anthony’s Church, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Rhode Island and the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England in Fall River.
He has also supported several Portuguese clubs, including the Pawtucket Social Club and Clube Juventude Lusitana, earning a reputation for reliability and quiet dedication.
In addition to his volunteer work, the Lincoln High School graduate built a lifelong career in construction, starting at age 16.
“Thank you to RI Day of Portugal, and thank you to the community,” said Furtado after learning he would be co-grand marshal of the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade. “I’m grateful to be part of your families, and I hope our culture continues to grow for generations to come.”
Rhode Island
Rhode Islanders react to apparent end of Iran War
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — The U.S. and Iran have reportedly reached a deal to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz.
While details on the agreement are still largely unknown and both sides have yet to put pen to paper, people who have been upset with high gas prices are hopeful it could eventually trickle down to the pump.
“I’m from Philly and I drive from here to there all the time and I probably spend like $100,” said Alyssa Morrison. “It’s crazy because I want to go home to my family, but it’s insane prices so I just don’t.”
Devin Bates reports on local reactions to a deal to end the War in Iran. (WJAR)
Other people we spoke with in Providence were frustrated by the conflict since it began, and hope the resolution holds.
“I think it was an unnecessary war, there’s no need to get involved with Iran,” said Rafi Joharjian.
According to the Associated Press, an official signing of the agreement could reportedly happen on Friday in Switzerland – but until then, some people are also approaching all of this with a healthy degree of skepticism.
“You know what, if there were people negotiating that I had faith in, I would believe in the deal,” said Nathan Morin. “Because the people negotiating I don’t have faith in, I don’t have faith in the deal.”
It may take months for oil prices to stabilize after the agreement becomes official, but that day can’t come soon enough for people who haven’t necessarily had the means to adapt to gas prices rising north of four dollars per gallon, like college students.
“Worrying about gas prices and transportation when I have to go to school, I have to go to work, it definitely plays into what I’m paying for groceries and stuff like that, it’s definitely been very hard,” said Sara Holland.
And others believe the agreement is a wise move for the Trump Administration, and weren’t suprised to hear that it had been reached.
“I think it’s in the interest of the Trump Administration to get this off their back because it’s going to impact the midterm elections a lot,” said Gedas Paskauskas.
According to AAA, average gas prices in Rhode Island are currently down from where they stood a month ago, when averages hit $4.49.
Rhode Island
Oh, Hello: Four-Star Rhode Island DE Elijah Guertin Commits To Penn State
Rhode Island
445 birds euthanized after bird flu found at Providence business
PROVIDENCE (WPRI) — Cases of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza were confirmed in some birds at Antonelli Poultry in Providence, according to the Rhode Island departments of Health and Environmental Management.
The cases were found in live ducks and chickens during routine quarterly testing. The birds were from out-of-state dealers.
In a press release Saturday, the health department shared that the state veterinarian had to conduct USDA-required euthanasia procedures on 445 asymptomatic birds in order to prevent the disease from spreading further.
While cases of the H5N1 strain are rare in humans, RIDOH is monitoring all staff for 10 days for possible symptoms of the disease.
Antonelli Poultry is set to be closed for 5 days once the infected birds have been removed and the business is properly sanitized. The business is cooperating with the DEM and RIDOH.
The health department is advising anyone who bought poultry from Antonelli Poultry between June 9 and June 12 to double bag the meat and throw it out. For those who may have eaten the poultry, Department of Health Director Dr. Jerry Larkin said the chance of getting sick is still low.
“Cooking poultry to the proper internal temperature of 165° kills bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza A viruses,” Larkin explained in the release. “If you have properly cooked and eaten chicken from Antonelli Poultry, the risk of becoming ill is very low; however, if you develop symptoms of avian influenza, you should seek medical care.”
This is Rhode Island’s first confirmed domestic bird case of avian influenza in 2026.
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