Fall River celebration commemorating 20th anniversary of Portas da Cidade to feature Mayor Coogan, Portugal and Azores dignitaries

FALL RIVER, MA – Mayor Paul Coogan, in conjunction with the Portas da Cidade Advisory Committee and the Prince Henry Society, will host a special ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Portas da Cidade (Gates of the City).

The celebration will take place on Monday, August 31,2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Portas da Cidade (Gates of the City).

The ceremony will mark two decades since the gates became a distinctive symbol of Fall River’s strong Portuguese and Azorean heritage and enduring cultural ties between the city and Portugal.

A delegation of dignitaries from Portugal and the Azores are expected to attend to join Mayor
Coogan, local elected officials, community leaders and members of the Portas da Cidade
Advisory Committee and the Prince Henry Society for the 20th Anniversary Celebration.

The City of Fall River states that “the Portas da Cidade have become an important landmark in Fall River, welcoming residents and visitors while celebrating the city’s deep Portuguese roots and its historic relationship with the Azores, in particular Fall River and Ponta Delgada’s status as Sister Cities.

“This 20th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the vision, dedication and cooperation that made the Portas da Cidade project possible, while recognizing the special relationship between Fall River and the Azores.”

The ceremony will also recognize the many individuals and community leaders whose vision, commitment and efforts helped bring the Gates to the City of Fall River and establish them as a lasting symbol of Portuguese heritage and friendship.

The public are welcome to attend.