The Government of the Azores, through its President, José Manuel Bolieiro, congratulates Onésimo Teotónio Almeida on receiving, in 2025, the Vasco Graça Moura Prize – Cultural Citizenship. This distinction recognizes exemplary careers in advancing Portuguese culture and language worldwide.

According to the press release issued by the Government of the Azores, the head of the Azorean executive notes that this award is “always an event of anticipation,” while emphasizing that, in the case of Onésimo Teotónio Almeida, it comes as “no surprise to the Government of the Azores, nor to anyone else.”

“At any moment it was bound to happen, since the purpose of this prize is precisely the recognition of a distinctive career in the affirmation of Portuguese culture and language in the world,” states José Manuel Bolieiro.

A native of Pico da Pedra, on the island of São Miguel, and a resident of the United States of America since 1972, Onésimo Teotónio Almeida has built an academic and intellectual career of broad international projection, and is widely recognized as one of the most significant figures in contemporary Portuguese culture.

For José Manuel Bolieiro, this distinction “recognizes and honors not only the author’s brilliant intellectual trajectory,” but also “the invaluable contribution” he has made “to the promotion of culture, critical thought, and Portuguese identity, both within the diaspora and globally.”

“His body of work, marked by depth and by its capacity to foster dialogue between tradition and modernity, continues to inspire generations and to enrich our cultural heritage,” the regional leader emphasizes.

The Government of the Azores considers that the prize now awarded constitutes a “just recognition” of the commitment and excellence that have characterized the path of Onésimo Teotónio Almeida, whose work has consistently contributed to affirming the Portuguese language and national culture on the international stage.

“On behalf of the Regional Government, I extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes for continued inspiration and success in his cultural and academic endeavors,” José Manuel Bolieiro concludes.

In Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, director.