LusoBeat - About Us

"Celebrating “As Janeiras” and Dia dos Reis
01-06-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer

LOWELL (Lusobeat Press Writer) From December 25th until January 5th people in Portugal (and some other Europeans) walk the streets in groups singing traditional carols called “As Janeiras”. The reason for the singing is to welcome the New Year and recall important events of the past year. Households exchange fruits, nuts, sweets and wine for the “Janeiras” just like American Christmas Carolers and their “figgy pudding”. But just when you thought that the celebrations were over January 6th comes along! On this day the Portuguese tradition is to eat Bolo-Rei, or “King Cake”. This cake is specifically eaten on January 6th on the catholic observance of Epiphany; which in Portugal is called Dia Dos Reis, or “Day of The Kings”. This day celebrates the 3 Kings aka the “3 wise men” that brought gifts to baby Jesus on the day of his birth. The cake is shaped in a circle with a hole in the middle (modernly called a bunt) to look like a king’s crown. Raisins, nuts and one bean fill the cake while crystallized dried fruits decorate the top. The person to find the bean is the one to make or buy the bolo-Rei for the following year.

“Have a Glass of Port”
11-17-2009
SUZY DOS SANTOS, Lusobeat Writer
MILFORD (Lusobeat Writer) Since Christmas is coming, one thing that comes to your mind is Christmas present. Porto wines are a good gift. It is a sweet fortified wine of rich taste and aroma made in Portugal. The name derives from Porto, the town where it is traditionally aged and bottled. Most port is red, but lesser amounts of tawny and white are produced. Peculiar to the manufacture of port is a large dose of brandy given to the still-fermenting liquid (called must). Much time, often decades, is needed for the maturing of fine ports. This wine can be found in local liquor stores.

“São Martinho Day”
11-17-2009
SUZY DOS SANTOS, Lusobeat Writer
MILFORD (Lusobeat Writer) As you know São Martinho is upon us as we celebrate our traditions with chestnuts, good eats, good deeds and drinking our dad’s homemade wine. But do you know the real meaning of São Martinho day? In 317 AD São Martinho was born. A Roman solider of the Roman Empire believed in his religious beliefs of Roman Mythology. On one wintery day, São Martinho was trapped in a downpour of rain with only his cape to guard him. While riding to get out of the horrible weather he was approached by a beggar, half clothed with hardly any thread to shield him from the cold. São Martinho grabbed his sword, tore his cape and gifted the beggar with his cape for warmth and at that same moment the rain subsided and the sun came out. Later that night São Martinho was approached in his dreams with a voice that spoke to him “Every time you do a good deed for your less fortunate and unprotected brothers, you are doing onto me”. From that day on, he brought gifts and treated his people differently with respect and honor. São Martinho died on November 8, 397 AD, and was laid to rest in the city of Tours, France. He soon later was canonized as a saint. As for today, São Martinho is celebrated all over Europe with many agriculture fairs, feasts, festivals, and it’s especially celebrated by the wine makers on November 11th.

“Praise Al Zulayj”
10-07-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did ya know that the blue and white ceramic plates that you have sopas out of at a Festa de Espirto Santo are called Azulejos?! Azulejos refers to the blue and white painted technique. The hand painted tiles, dishes, plaques and anything else that can be ceramic, often have biblical scenes, scenes from the lives of saints, hunting scenes, geometric patterns, or floral drawings. In Portugal, you can find azulejos inside and outside of churches, palaces, ordinary houses and even train stations. The technique to these tiles was adopted from Spain who learned from the Persians in the early 15th century. The word azulejos comes from the Arabic work: al zulayj, meaning "polished stone". This historic tile technique has survived six centuries of trends and is still very popular around the world! Viva Portugal!

“Going CUCO”
09-29-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) DID YA KNOW that our trusty sailor and explorer of many things, Vasco de Gama brought the yummy and sweet, coconut to Europe from India?! He also gave it the name coco after the mythical monster, Cuco, because of their brown and hairy surface. When the coco arrived in England, they retained the coco name and nut was added. But back to the Cuco; it’s equivalent to the American Boogeyman. The word coco comes from the Portuguese language, and referred to a monster, witch or ghost with a pumpkin head. A pumpkin with a face carved into it is also referred to as a cuco, but in America we call it a Jack-O-Lantern. It’s pumpkin season, so grab a pumpkin and make a cuco! And make some coconut macaroons while you’re at it… and send them my way ;-) VIVA PORTUGAL!

“Portuguese 5 Dot Tattoo”
09-22-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LLOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Ever notice people with a tattoo of 5 dots on their hand? Did ya know that in Portugal, the five dot tattoo resembles the five shields on the Portuguese flag?! Well actually, it has evolved into a bunch of different meanings, but the five shields, which represent the five Holy Wounds inflicted upon Jesus during his crucifixion (scroll down to Portuguese Flags), is the oldest meaning. This tattoo was also sometimes worn by members of the Portuguese army. In Portugal, the five dots between the thumb and the index finger also means the person is a former convict during the dictatorship. People who were arrested for protesting against the regime or to express political ideas would be incarcerated and tortured to give up names of people who shared the same ideals. After the fascist regime had fallen, the dots on the hand took another meaning; someone who was arrested for stealing something. This is a popular tattoo in prison, indicating the four walls of the prison with the inmate inside, and has many tales in different countries. It's also common among young Portuguese-Americans and Portuguese-Canadians to show the loyalty to their culture. VIVA PORTUGAL!

“Malassadas in Hawaii”
09-03-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer)Most of us love eating malasadas at the festas all summer long, or whenever our mamas' make them, but DID YA KNOW they are the only "donut" in HAWAII?!! As previously exposed in an article earlier this year, Portuguese-Americans are the fourth largest ethnic group in the state of Hawaii. In 1878, Portuguese laborers from Madeira and the Azores came to Hawaii to work in the plantations. The immigrants brought their traditional recipes with them, including the fried dough pastry, malassada. What lead malasadas to their popularity was the need to use up all the lard and sugar in the house before Lent, when Catholics fast and sacrifice eating meat and all things YUMMY (scroll down to "Danças de Carnaval"). Some people refer to Fat Tuesday as Malasada Day. During Mardi Gras and especially on Fat Tuesday, in Hawaii, malasadas are the most popular. The most popular place to get Malasadas is Champion Malasadas in Honolulu, Hawaii. It's like Dunkin Donuts! VIVA PORTUGAL!

“DO YOU KNOW YOUR ABC’s”
08-24-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did ya know that there's a difference in the way Brazilians spell in the Portuguese language from the way the rest of the luso nations, including Portugal, spell?! In 1900 Portugal, Brazil, and five Portuguese colonies in Africa agreed to standardize the way their language is written. Spellings were standardized, and silent consonants were removed in order for words to be spelled more phonetically, turning, for example, "optimo" into "otimo". Various accents are also no longer needed. DID YA KNOW that the alphabet grew by three letters to 26?! The letters k, w and y were added. The move will make the language more uniform globally, making internet searches and legal documents easier to understand. But, there will be a lot more time before there is a uniform version of written Portuguese. Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe have approved the spelling agreement but have not fixed a date for introducing the changes. East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Angola have said they are interested in approving the agreement but have not yet done so.

“JOGO DO PAU””
07-29-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did ya know that there's an ancient Portuguese martial art called Jogo do Pau?! Translated it's literally called Stick Game. The purpose of this art was primarily self-defense but was also used to settle differences between families and villages. This sport barely exists now, but when it was popular, it was only in the northern mountains of Portugal. In this game you basically fight for your life with long sticks. Sticks were the most available weapon, it's used on long daily walks and crossing rivers. Today, Jogo do Pau is organized in two federations, the Federação Portuguesa de Jogo do Pau and the Federação Nacional do Jogo do Pau Português. Both federations practice in northern Portugal and the Azores. VIVA PORTIGAL! Click for more information on “Jogo do Pau”

"Lusitano Horse, The Bull Fighting Horse"”
07-21-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did ya know that there's a horse breed called Lusitano?! These horses have a reputation for courage and their ability to bond strongly with humans; which makes this breed sought after for bullfighting and jumping. The Lusitano horse is tall, but not a very large horse. They have powerful hips and legs, a thick mane and tail. These horses are specially trained to be used in Portuguese style bull fights called Cavaleiro where a cavaleiro, or horseman, tries to poke the bull's back with a bandeirilha, or small javelin. DID YA KNOW that the Azorean style of bull fighting is different from Spain and Portugal's style?! In the Azores it's more like a running with the bulls, where most of the risk is on the humans, not the bull. A long thick rope is tied around the bull’s neck as a group of people play tug-of-war, it is called tourada à corda. VIVA PORTUGAL!

"Festas do Emigrante - Lowell, MA"”
07-14-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did ya know that "Festa do Emigrante" started in the Azorean island of Flores? In Flores, starting on the 3rd Monday in July, they have a week long festival celebrating the immigrants who return to visit their native land in the Azores. They have a parade, vendors, food and dancing! DID YA KNOW, that the native dances in Flores are the Chamarrita Encaracolada, Ciranda, Pézinho de Baixo?! If you're not in Portugal this weekend, head to Lowell, MA for their own Festa do Emigrante this weekend! LusoBeat will be in the house both Saturday and Sunday... look for me and Jimmy Jam and save us a dance! Check out two of my favorite Florentines; Zack from the band ERATOXICA on Saturday and David DeMelo and his band INTERNACIONAL on Sunday! Holy Ghost Park 65 Village Street Lowell, MA.

"Portas da Cidade - Fall River, MA”
07-07-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did ya know that Fall River, MA has a replica of the Portas da Cidade in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores? The 30 by 60 foot gates were built by volunteers on Ponta Delgada Boulevard. Although this project took 8 months to build, the idea has been around since the late 1990's when Fall River Mayor Edward M. Lambert, Jr. went to Portugal with City Councilor Alfredo Alves and saw the original gates. This monument is quite the attraction; WJFD had a concert there last summer and had a great turn out. It also serves for great photo ops! Even at night... the lights on them turn on, it's so beautiful! VIVA PORTUGAL!

"Portugal Day, Dia de Camões”
06-09-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did ya know that “Dia De Portugal” is on June 10th?! Portugal Day or officially Dia de Camões, de Portugal e das Comunidades Portuguesas ("Day of Camões, Portugal, and the Portuguese Communities"), is the date of Luís de Camões' death in June 10, 1580 and is Portugal's National Day. Camões wrote the “Lusíadas”, Portugal's national epic poem celebrating Portuguese history and achievements. It is said that Camões was in a shipwreck and swam with one arm above water to save his poem. The poem is mostly about Portuguese explorations which made Portugal famous. This is only a national holiday in Portugal but Portuguese descendents in Brazil, India, and the US, Canada, Macau and other European countries celebrate as well. In which Lusobeat is a sponsor for Day of Portugal in Rhode Island and a sponsor of the Portuguese community. There's also a festival in New Jersey; in the Ironbound district of Newark. I'll be in attendance, so look for me!! Boas Festas! VIVA PORTUGAL!

"THE FLAGS OF PORTUGAL”
05-12-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did ya know that the original flag of Portugal was white blue, not red and green?! It took many years to perfect the current look, but Portugal officially adopted the current design for its national flag on June 30, 1911, after the Republican Revolution. Aside from want the flag to look more Republican, the Portugal's Kings' wanted religious parts as well. The flag is green and red and has the very simplified version of the Coat of Arms. The green symbolizes hope in the future while the red is the blood of the nation's heroes. On the outer part of the Coat of Arms there's an armillary sphere to represents the world discovered by the Portuguese navigators in the fifteen and sixteenth centuries. The red border around the shield featuring seven castles symbolizes the extension of Portugal's territory to include the Algarve. The seven castles represent the fortified cities D. Afonso Henriques conquered from the moors. The five blue shields within the white shield represent the five moor kings defeated by the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, at the Battle of Ourique. The dots inside the blue shields represent the five wounds of Christ when crucified.
DID YA KNOW that if you count the dots and doubling those five in the center, there are thirty dots total and that represents the coins Judas received for having betrayed Christ?! Now that you're educated on the motherland's flag, you get a flag tattoo and actually know what it means! VIVA PORTUGAL!

"PORTIES”
04-28-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did ya know that the Obama Family Dog is a Portuguese water dog?! The pup was a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy to the President's daughters. The girls named this puppy Bo because Michelle Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley, after the late musician, Bo Diddley. I'm sure Bo will just be a family dog, he comes from a breed that has worked very hard. Portuguese Water Dogs belonged to fisherman and lived on their boats. The curly haired, webbed footed dogs are great swimmers and divers. The breed retrieved broken nets, dove for fish, carried messages between boats and to shore, and guarded the boat for his master in foreign ports. The breed started disappearing in the early 20th century when machines were developed to do the dog's job but Dr. Vasco Bensaude, a wealthy Portuguese shipping magnate and dog lover, saved the breed. He traveled around to ports looking for the fisherman that still work with dogs and bred them with his own dog, Leao. Now, the breed is popular as a pet for families who want an active, smart dog. And although the entire list is arguable, they're on the list of hypoallergenic dog breeds. Breeders are saying the Portuguese Water Dogs will become more popular because of Senator Kennedy's gift to the White House. Ted Kennedy is a proud owner of three "Porties": Splash, Sunny and Cappy.

"25 de Abril”
04-23-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) The Carnation Revolution or the 25 de Abril, was a democratic military coup, "Movimento das Forças Armadas" (MFA), started on April 25, 1974 in Lisbon, Portugal. They effectively changed the Portuguese regime from a dictatorship to a democracy. The military forces quickly lined the streets of Lisbon and civilians ran out to mingle with the soldiers, despite orders to stay inside. At the time, carnations were flooding the famous central flower market of Lisbon, and many citizens put them into the gun barrels of the democratic soldiers, inspiring the name “Carnation Revolution” to describe this event in Portuguese history. In the aftermath of the revolution a new constitution was drafted, censorship was formally prohibited, free speech declared, political prisoners were released and the Portuguese overseas territories in Sub-Saharan Africa were immediately given their independence. This is a historic day for Portuguese and Luso-African countries, much like America and the 4th of July. VIVA PORTUGAL!

"The Easter Egg”
04-14-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did you know that the first eggs given at Easter were bird’s eggs?! Christians started giving eggs as gifts as a symbol of new life after Jesus’ resurrection. They painted them in bright colors to give them further meaning as a gift! Eggs are also used in the Portuguese bread, Folar da Pascoa. This bread pretty much seems like massa sovada with an egg in it. What separates this bread from massa or Bolo Rei is that it has a symbolic cross or criss-cross pattern on the top, to represent the crucifixion of Christ and of course the egg to symbolize fertility. Eat up, everyone! Happy Easter and God bless you and yours!

"Put a CORK in it...”
03-31-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did you know that Portugal is the worlds leading provider of cork?! Cork comes from The Cork Oak Tree which grows particularly along the Atlantic shore in the Mediterranean zone. Nearly one-third of the total cork oak area, (estimated at 5.3 million acres) is in Portugal. This produces about half the cork harvested annually in the world! Cork is the most important of Portuguese exports and alone represents about 16 percent of the total foreign income derived from trade. Portugal has 500 factories, which employ about 20,000 workers. This industry produces stoppers, different types of floats, shoe soles, printing paper, cigarette tips, bath mats, table mats, hat bands, fishing rod handles, and different kinds of packing. There is also a newer product in the industry that's growing more popular as the world is "going green"- Cork floors! VIVA PORTUGAL!

"GALO DE BARCELOS”
03-24-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer)Have you always wondered why your “avós” have a roster napkin holder, cookie jar, butter knife and tea pot? Here's why: Rooster's are a Portuguese symbol of good luck! It all started when a pilgrim from western Spain stopped in Barcelos, Portugal and was wrongly accused of theft and sentenced to death by hanging. After appealing to Our Lady and Saint Tiago, he screamed that if he was innocent, the roasted cock that the judge was about to eat would get up and cry. It did indeed get up and the pilgrim was set free. Since then, brightly painted ceramic roosters are sold throughout Portugal as symbols of good luck.

"The LUSO in LUSOBEAT”
03-17-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Do you know what the LUSO in LusoBeat means? Lusophone is someone who uses the Portuguese language and culture. The adjective comes from the land that was the ancient Roman province of Lusitania, but is now called Portugal. Did you know there are 9 Lusophone countries?! These countries include Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Sao Tome and Principe, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, East Timor, and Macau. So if you're growing tired of your usual vacation to Portugal or the Azores, you have 8 other places to go!

"Social Clubs, Auxilaires and the New York Stock Exchange?…”
02-23-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did you know the first Portuguese American club was built in 1847? The immigrants didn't have their family to help support them, so they went to each other. The clubs were for men only and each member paid their monthly dues. In the case of a tragedy or loss of their job, the club would donate to them to get them back on their feet. At first the members of the clubs only associated with men from their island. Over time woman had their own clubs called auxiliaries. Over even more time, men the men who started these societies and clubs accepted everyone to their club, woman and foreigners included. VIVA PORTUGAL!
BONUS! I thought this was appropriate since we're in a recession and all... DID YA KNOW that Benjamin Mendes Seixas of Newport and later New York became one of the founders of the New York Stock Exchange?

"Portuguese was first in flight…”
02-23-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Did you know that the very first air plane to cross the South Atlantic was Portuguese? The seaplane, "Santa Cruz", was driven by pilots Gago Coutinho and Sacadura Cabral from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro in 1922. This historical trip took 4 months! Sounds like there's a little explorer is all of us... maybe that's because of Saint Anthony. Did you know that Saint Anthony of Padua isn't really from Padua, Italy?! Saint Anthony hails from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon! He studied in Coimbra and was known for his devotion to the poor. He later traveled to Morocco and then to Padua, Italy where he died in 1231. In 1934 Pope Pium XI declared him the patron saint of Portugal! Remember that when you go to his festival in the Italian South End of Boston! VIVA PORTUGAL!

"DANÇAS DE CARNIVAL”
02-17-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) Before you head to your Portuguese American club to watch the Danças de Carnival, here's some Carnaval history. The inspiration for carnaval is Lent. As Catholics, we don't eat meat during lent... or maybe just not on Friday for those of you who are part time Catholics... ;-)
Anyway, the last 3 days before Lent became a tradition to celebrate food before fasting for 40 days. The celebrations turned into carnivals where people parade in the streets, wear masks, and play music. Every country celebrates carnival differently, but they all include eating, music, and celebration. DID YA KNOW that the carnival tradition of wearing masks comes from Germany?! Or that the tradition of telling stories and dancing comes from Goa (the Portuguese colony in India)?! And the traditional green, gold, and purple colors were chosen in 1892 by a Grand Duke from Russia when he went to New Orleans for the French-American carnival, Mardi Gras?! I bet you didn't. VIVA PORTUGAL!!

"Portuguese born the Ukulele”
02-10-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Writer) As Luso Americans we all love our music and support our local bands for keeping our musical traditions alive. But “DID YA KNOW” that the biggest footprint that the Portuguese made in American music is the Ukulele?! The Ukulele, which originated in Madeira, is used mostly in Hawaii. This brings me to my next awesome ‘DID YA KNOW?’ fact... Portuguese-Americans are the fourth largest ethnic group in the state of Hawaii?! VIVA PORTUGAL!

"Fascinating Luso-Americans”
02-26-2009
ERIKA SANTIAGO, Lusobeat Writer
LOWELL (Lusobeat Press Writer) Fascinating Luso-Americans- You know how when you meet someone new; like through friends or co-workers, you wait to hear their last name to see if they're Portuguese? Or is that just me? Anyway, here is a list of Luso-Americans that I thought you might like!
Linda Perry- Originally from Springfield, MA and of Brazilian and Portuguese decent, this singer/songwriter/producer is best known for being the lead singer of 4 Non Blondes. Although she's not quite a household name, she's responsible for hit songs like Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" and "Cruz" and P!nk's "Get The Party Started". She has also worked with Gwen Stefani, James Blunt, Courtney Love, and Kelly Osbourne.
Steven E. de Souza-. Hollywood Producer/ Director/ Screenwriter. He's the man behind The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Knight Rider, 48 Hours, Die Hard, Die Hard2, Beverly Hills Cop III, and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. He's also one of very few screenwriters whose films have earned over two billion dollars at the box office.

A quick fact before I go on... Maria Isilda Ribeiro from Portugal made the U.S. flag that was placed on the moon in 1969.

Joe Raposo- A composer born in Fall River and a graduate of Harvard College. Joe is best known for being on Sesame Street. He wrote a lot of the songs for the show including my personal favorite, "C is for Cookie" performed by Cookie Monster!

Justin Pedroia- Second baseman for the Boston Red Sox, American League MVP in 2008.
James Franco- A popular young actor best known for his supporting role in Spiderman
Jonathan Taylor Thomas- A former teen idol. You can see him daily on the TV show Home Improvement.
Danika McKellar - An Actress best known for her role as Winnie Cooper on TV show The Wonder Years.
Paula Abdul- Singer/ Dancer/ TV Personality of Brazilian- Syrian decent.
Joe DeRita- "Curly Joe" from the Three Stooges.

These Next few aren’t Luso-American, they're Luso-Canadian

Keanu Reeves- Actor best known for the Speed movies and The Matrix.
Luis Miranda- First ever elected Mayor of Portuguese decent in Canada.
Brian Melo- Winner of Canadian Idol season 5.