Camões Portuguese Club of Harrow: A Story of Community and Tradition
For more than five decades, the Camões Portuguese Club of Harrow has served as a central gathering place for the Portuguese community in Harrow, Ontario — one of the most historically significant Portuguese settlements in Canada.
This historical archive is supported by:
Founded in 1970, the association emerged from a growing immigrant community seeking to preserve its traditions while building a new life in Southwestern Ontario. Early meetings were held in members’ homes, and celebrations centred around religious and cultural festivities that connected families to their heritage.
Over time, the club evolved into a dynamic social and cultural institution. Community events, sports initiatives, and folkloric traditions strengthened ties among generations of Portuguese Canadians while introducing Portuguese culture to the wider region.
The former headquarters, shown above, represents an important chapter in this history — a place where traditions were preserved and community identity reinforced. As participation grew, the organization eventually constructed a modern facility that continues to serve the community today.
The story of the Camões Portuguese Club of Harrow reflects the broader experience of Portuguese immigration to rural Ontario: collective effort, resilience, and a lasting commitment to cultural continuity. Today, the Camões Portuguese Club of Harrow continues to serve as an important cultural gathering place for Portuguese Canadians in Southwestern Ontario.
👉Click to visit the Camões Portuguese Club of Harrow page
Sources: Luso-Ontario Magazine (2008)
If you notice errors or wish to contribute additional information, please email:
contact@lusocanada.com
Help preserve Portuguese-Canadian history by sharing your memories or experiences related to this organization.
Honouring the Men of the “White Fleet” in Newfoundland
Victoria, BC – 70 Years of Portuguese Presence
Sol Português – The End of an Era!
About The Author
Paulo Pereira
Paulo Pereira has worked in community media for over 20 years. He started as a reporter for Sol Portugues. Later, he became Editor of Team Desportivo, Director of Flash News, Director of Jornal da Aliança, Director of Luso-Ontario Magazine, and Editor at Correio da Manha Canada's newspaper. Paulo Pereira is also a co-founder of Associacao Migrante de Barcelos where he volunteered for many years as Secretary and Sporting Director. He also volunteered for Casa do Benfica de Toronto for close to a decade as member of the Board in roles such as Public Relations Director and Vice-President for Sports and Culture. Currently, he is the President of Project First Nations, a not-for-profit organization. In November of 2023, he was elected as a member of the Portuguese Community Council, representing the District of Toronto, which includes Ontario, Manitoba and Nunavut. In 2025, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal from Canada’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Arif Virani.