Saturday, November 2, 2024, was a day to remember at the Escola Luis de Camões Newark Campus. From the moment students arrived at 9 a.m., excitement filled the air as children dressed in Halloween costumes made their way into classrooms. But this was no ordinary Halloween party—this celebration was uniquely Portuguese. Every lesson, every activity, and every surprise reinforced the school’s dedication to immersing students in the Portuguese language and culture in fun and engaging ways.
The festive day began with language lessons that had a Halloween twist, blending Portuguese vocabulary with the spirit of the season. At 10:45, a ripple of anticipation swept through the students as they received their first big surprise: a visit from renowned Luso-American children’s book author Andreia Nunes. Known for her compelling storytelling that bridges Portuguese and American cultures, Nunes shared a selection of her popular books, which uniquely weave English narratives with Portuguese words, allowing young readers to encounter Portuguese naturally and joyfully.
As Nunes read aloud, the students were enthralled, listening intently to the stories that seamlessly introduced them to Portuguese phrases and expressions. Nunes’ storytelling approach, blending English with strategically placed Portuguese, enchanted the students and kept them fully engaged. Afterward, an interactive Q&A session allowed curious young readers to ask about her creative process, inspirations, and the experiences that shape her bilingual works. The students’ thoughtful questions highlighted the genuine impact of the visit, showcasing the love for language and storytelling sparked by this inspiring encounter.
Once the Q&A concluded, it was time for the next thrilling part of the day. Students eagerly gathered their belongings and, in a single line, embarked on a festive parade down Congress Street. The parade turned left onto Newark’s iconic Ferry Street, known affectionately as “Portugal Avenue,” and made its way to the Sport Club Português plaza, where parents and volunteers waited with open arms and smiles.
The festivities continued as everyone gathered for a spread of traditional sweets, followed by Halloween-themed games. Joy and laughter filled the SCP building as children, parents, and teachers celebrated the blend of Halloween fun and Portuguese heritage.
The day’s events reinforced Escola Luis de Camões’ dedication to teaching students Portuguese and connecting them deeply to their cultural roots. Through literature, community, and festive activities, the school showed that learning Portuguese is far from ordinary—it’s a celebration of identity, heritage, and joy.
