Rhode Island officially offers ‘Day of Portugal’ license plate

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Day of Portugal place has arrived! Rhode Island has become the first U.S. state to feature the Portuguese coat of arms on a motor vehicle license plate, marking a milestone for the state’s Portuguese community.

The creation of the Day of Portugal plate was first announced in 2018.

Orlando Mateus, who served as president of the 2018 R.I. Day of Portugal Committee personally designed the license plate.

Pre-ordered plates will be available for pickup on Saturday, June 7, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 195 District Park in Providence, during the RI Day of Portugal Festival.

The license plate costs $42.50 with $22.50 going to the state’s general fund, and $20 to the RI Day of Portugal. Upon each renewal, a $10 fee will go entirely to the organization.

The Portuguese community in Rhode Island has a rich and vibrant history, one that has played a significant role in shaping the state’s cultural and economic landscape. Portuguese immigration to the United States began in the late 19th century, with many immigrants arriving from the Azores and Madeira, two archipelagos off the coast of Portugal. Rhode Island, with its thriving industrial economy, became one of the primary destinations for these newcomers seeking work and a better life.

The first significant wave of Portuguese immigration to Rhode Island occurred around the 1870s and 1880s. Many Portuguese immigrants were drawn to the state’s burgeoning textile mills, factories, and shipyards, where they found employment in demanding labor-intensive jobs. Cities like Providence, Pawtucket, and Bristol became focal points for the Portuguese community, with neighborhoods such as the “Azorean” sections of Providence serving as cultural hubs.