Lord Mayor raises Brazilian flag above Cork City Hall to mark Brazil's Independence Day

07/09/2026

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damian Boylan, raised the Brazilian flag above Cork City Hall today Monday, 7 September to mark Brazil's 204th Independence Day, and to celebrate the vibrant Brazilian community that has made Cork its home.

Representatives of Cork City Council, the Embassy of Brazil in Ireland, Leonardo Lemos, Honorary Consul of Brazil in Cork, Waterford and Kerry, community organisations and members of the Brazilian community attended what is believed to be the first official raising of the Brazilian flag at City Hall.

The event was organised in partnership with the Brazilian community and the Honorary Consulate of Brazil and celebrates the strong cultural, social and economic links that have developed between Brazil and Cork.

The ceremony also recognised the significant contribution that members of the Brazilian community make to life in Cork City and the wider region.

The 2022 Census shows that there are about 40,000 Brazilian-born residents living in Ireland.

The Central Statistics Office also notes that Brazilians are the largest Latin American diaspora group in Ireland.

"Cork is proud to celebrate Brazilian Independence Day and the many contributions that the Brazilian community makes to our city,” the Lord Mayor said.

“This flag-raising ceremony is a meaningful recognition of a community that enriches our cultural, social and economic life.

“We are especially honoured that this is believed to be the first time the Brazilian flag will be raised above City Hall, marking an important milestone in the relationship between Cork and Brazil.

“It is a celebration of friendship, inclusion and belonging, and of the strong connections that continue to grow between our communities."

Leonardo Lemos, Honorary Consul of Brazil in Cork, Waterford and Kerry, said: "For many Brazilians living in Ireland, seeing the Brazilian flag flying here is about much more than a symbol. It carries memories, identity and a connection to home.

“Having our flag raised here at Cork City Hall is a proud moment for our community and a reflection of the strong friendship between Brazil and Ireland.”

There are many connections between Cork and Brazil.

For example, earlier this year, University College Cork’s Department of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies become the first and only Celpe-Bras (Certificate of Proficiency in Portuguese) Examining Centre in Ireland promoting Portuguese language and Brazilian culture.

Celpe-Bras is recognised by the Brazilian government. The qualification does not expire.

While today’s flag-raising ceremony celebrated Brazil's Independence Day, and highlighted the important contribution of Brazilians to life here today, it also recognised more than 50 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and Ireland and the enduring people-to-people connections that continue.