“In 1960, the Atlantic islands of the Azores are the center of the world. On a bright night, a teenage figure invades the runway of the international airport and waits for a Lockheed Super Constellation to speed up the four propellers. His plan is to reach the front landing gear, climb to the height of two men, and wedge himself into the wheelwell. Then wait for the aircraft to climb and trust that there is room for you, the huge tire, and the dream of reaching America. You check your three dry pops in your pockets, wipe your hands on your tee-shirt, and take two deep breaths. He is ready to launch himself into a new life.
In the dark years of Santa Maria’s history, the airport, built by the Americans at the end of World War II under the approval of António Salazar, becomes the main technical stopover for most transatlantic flights by major airlines and offers valuable job opportunities to all Azoreans.
With the end of the Capelinhos volcanic crisis on the island of Faial, the Azorean Refugee Act opens the doors to emigration to the United States and spreads throughout the archipelago an atypical climate of evasion. There isn’t a family that doesn’t see one of their own embarking for the New World.”
Last modified: 7 de February, 2022
