Updates from State Rep. Farley Santos for June 12, 2026

June 12, 2026

In the past, I've highlighted that publications have cited Danbury as one of the most diverse communities in the country. I have also said that our diversity is among the many strengths of this great city.

This past week shows what that looks like in practice, as we celebrated Portuguese heritages, Pride Month, 100 years of the Jewish Cultural Center, and scholarships awarded by the Lebanon-American Club.

These separate events weave a tapestry of what it is not only to be a part of Danbury and the state of Connecticut, but of the American ideal. Celebrating our roots -- where we came from -- while also keeping an eye toward a hopeful and better future, is what makes us great. And I am thrilled to be a part of it.

Please scroll below for more details.

Portuguese Day Celebrations

Portuguese Day celebrations last week included honoring John Perry, whose leadership helped launch Portuguese Day in Danbury and create a tradition our community proudly carries on.

This year’s honoree, Jose M. Matias, is someone very close to our family and deeply deserving of this recognition. Jose has devoted himself to his faith, Portuguese heritage, and preserving Azorean culture, while helping lead these celebrations year after year.

As a proud member of this community, I’m grateful for all he does. No one more deserving. Parabéns, Jose!

We continued celebrating Portuguese heritage at our church, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish

The Mass reminded us that our history should be more than remembered, it should serve as an example for the future. The faith, values, and traditions passed down to us should inspire how we live and give back.

A blessing to also welcome back our longtime priest, Father Antonio Azevedo, visiting from retirement in Portugal, and our longtime Deacon, Jose Cabral, from Long Island. A special morning for our community.

One of my favorite Portuguese Day traditions

The procession began at our church, made its way to the library, and ended at Portuguese Square, a beautiful reminder of the faith, culture, and traditions that have shaped so many of us.

This year, we honored Jose M. Matias, someone who has given so much to our church, Portuguese culture, and especially our Azorean traditions. Jose pours his heart into keeping our heritage alive, and this recognition was so well deserved.

I also made sure to thank his family because anyone who volunteers and gives back this much knows, it takes a family that supports the mission too. Parabéns, Jose!

And the Portuguese Day celebrations kept going at the Portuguese Cultural Center. Great food, traditional dancing, and the best part, community. Nothing better than celebrating our culture and traditions with so many familiar faces. Danbury’s diversity is its greatest asset. Viva Portugal! Viva Danbury!

A Century of the United Jewish Center

Celebrating 100 years of faith, resilience, and community at the United Jewish Center.

For a century, the United Jewish Center has been a place of worship, blessings, and belonging through both challenges and triumphs. Honored to join my friend state Sen. Julie Kushner in presenting a citation to the congregation during a beautiful celebration at Tarrywile Park.

Here’s to the next 100 years of faith and community.

Lebanon-American Club Scholarships

Congratulations to all of the recipients of the Lebanon-American Club of Danbury Scholarship!

Every one of these accomplished students represents the very best of our community - hardworking, driven, and full of promise for the future.

A special shoutout to Sophia Kayal, Sabrina Saadi, and Jacob Saadi on this well-deserved recognition.

Keep working hard and making Danbury proud!

America at 250

One of my favorite photos from last weekend.

God bless our city!

God bless America!

Throwing Out the First Pitch

A little pressure throwing out the first pitch at the Danbury Westerners home opener last week. Happy to report my old Abbott Tech baseball experience still came through, and yes, the ball made it over the plate!

Nothing better than a summer night at Rogers Park supporting our hometown team. Come check out the Westerners, and don’t miss Military Appreciation on Saturday!

Great to be there last Saturday with State Senator Julie Kushner and 1st Lieutenant and City Councilman Joe Britton.

An Immaculate Graduation

Graduation season continues, and there’s nothing better than celebrating the accomplishments of our young people!

Congratulations to the Immaculate High School Class of 2026 on reaching this incredible milestone. So much hard work, sacrifice, and determination led to this moment, and the future is bright.

A special shoutout to our office intern, Jacob Saadi, on his graduation! I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Jacob and can say firsthand: this young man is one of the hardest-working, smartest, and kindest people I know. The kind of person who makes you feel really good about the future. Proud of you, Jacob, and excited to see all that’s ahead for you and every graduate. Congrats to the Kayals, Sposatos, Werners, and Esteves families as well.

Congratulations, Mr. Gomes!

Colleagues, family, and friends gathered to honor and wish Mr. Augusto Gomes a happy retirement after 35 years of dedicated service to improving the quality of education Danbury students receive, myself included. On behalf of Mayor Alves, I presented him with a Mayor’s Proclamation celebrating his career as an educator.

Pride Month

Pride Month is a reminder that everyone deserves to be seen, respected, accepted, and loved for who they are.

Being an ally means showing kindness, standing up for one another, and building a community where everyone feels they belong. I’m proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ community, this month and every month.

Gear Up for the World Cup

Looking for World Cup gear? Trust me, most places are already getting picked over. But not SoccerChamp Sports on Elm Street. Stopped in today and they’re still in the game with jerseys, gear, and all things soccer. If you’re getting ready to cheer on your team, go check them out and support a local business!