Founding Date:	1985
Address:	959 Division Street Kingston, Ontario K7L 4C8
Telephone:	613-544-5732

A cultural nest in between Toronto and Montreal

Audio Version:

Wedged between Montreal and Toronto, Kingston is a city full of Portuguese who leave visible marks on the physical structure of the city. The building that houses the Portuguese Cultural Centre, located between Highway 401 and downtown, is a perfect example. 

The organization was founded by 24 people, in 1983, and was incorporated two years later. These two-dozen men donated $50 each to cover the initial expenses. The first meeting was held at a golf club where ideas were discussed, including the formation of a soccer club, a folk group, and a place where seniors could socialize. Tito Santos was the first president.

At that time, around 7,000 Portuguese lived in the area. 

During the first year, meetings were held every two weeks at different members’ homes. The host would offer snacks and the guests would bring drinks that the members in turn would purchased in order to contribute to the newly formed association. On the second year, in 1986, the association rented a space on Princess Street where soccer games from Portugal began to be broadcast.

Soccer, just like in so many other Portuguese communities across Canada, was the original form of socializing in Kingston. Even before talks of forming a Portuguese Club began, the city already had three soccer teams: Portuguese Canadian, Benfica, and Azores. Once the Cultural Centre was founded, the three teams united under Portuguese Benfica and joined the organization. The logo had the eagle, just like the mother-club in Portugal, designed one night during a Board meeting.

The creation of the Rancho happened soon after. Tito Santos was, once again, the one who propelled the idea forward, this time with the help of Carlos Valente. The group was such a success that soon after its foundation it began to participate in the Kingston International Folklore Festival.

The purchase of the property where the headquarters now stands resulted from the unity of the Portuguese community. It was a place in which they could meet and feel at home. The property cost, in the mid 90’s, $400,000. The current building was already in place but it suffered major interior renovations to bring it to today’s standards. 

Beyond many social and cultural events, the hall, with capacity for 350 people, hosts many weddings throughout the year to help cover the costs. 

The Rancho represents diverse regions of Portugal and continues to brighten the events at the Centre as well as in other communities throughout the Province. The Multicultural Festival of Beleville – in which the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Kingston is the official representative of Portugal – is one of the most anticipated performances each year. Here, in addition to folklore, the Centre also showcases the gastronomy and culture of Portugal. 

Sports remains as one of the most important activities of the association. Portuguese Benfica participates in the Kingston soccer league. Its long history includes various Kingston League titles and an Ontario Cup final – loss to London Portuguese.   

The Centre’s bar is open every day. 

If you visit Kingston, don’t forget to stop at Portuguese Cultural Centre.

With files from Luso-Ontario Magazine, 2008

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