Casa do Alentejo
| Founding Date: | February 20, 1983 |
| Address: | 1130 Dupont Street Toronto, Ontario M6H 2A2 |
| Telephone: | 416-537-7766 |
| E-mail: | casadoalentejo@sympatico.ca |
A CULTURAL LANDMARK FOR THE PORTUGUESE IN TORONTO
Audio Version:
Casa do Alentejo is not part of the group of pioneer associations in Ontario but it is certainly one of the most dynamic. The organization continues to pride itself in its cultural and social events that have marvelled not only its associates but also many other members of the Portuguese community.
Manuel de Brito Fialho, Maria Rosa de Sousa, Daniel Fernandes, and Francisco de Sousa met in the early 1980s to discuss the formation of Casa do Alentejo. On February 20, 1983, the association was officially created and settled at Claremont Street where its first ever public event was held. In that same year, the organization held its inaugural dance party at St. Lawrence Market (Church and Front). The first year anniversary was held at a hall on the corner of Eglinton and Dufferin.
Casa do Alentejo witnessed its most significant growth in 1987, in its relatively short life, as a result of the decision to move its headquarters to the corner of Dundas and Dufferin Streets, right in the heart of the Portuguese community. This new home was larger in size, capable of hosting all the yearly events that the organization promoted.
However, the association’s most audacious project would come 10 years later, in 1997, when it decided to purchase the current building that serves as its headquarters, on Dupont Street, just East of Dufferin. Although daring, the move proved to be a great decision. At this location, the association housed many other community organizations, from private enterprises to community projects. Above all, it was able to provide its membership with top-notch facilities for cultural and social events that became renowned in the community.
Throughout the years, Casa do Alentejo has established itself as one of major promoters of Portuguese Culture in Canada. Among many other illustrious visitors, the organization has hosted personalities from all stripes of the political, cultural, and artistic worlds such as former Presidents and Prime Ministers of Portugal, Mario Soares and Cavaco Silva, artists such as Carlos do Carmo and Xutos e Pontapes, authors such as Jose Saramago and Mario Zambujal, athletes such as Carlos Lopes and Fernando Mamede, and culinary experts such as Maria de Lurdes Modesto.
The association’s main event is its annual Cultural Week through which it promotes Alentejo’s cuisine, arts, music, and its people.
Youth play a major role in the association as well. At the end of the first decade of the new millennium, 23 year-old Stephanie Fidalgo became President of the association and had many other young people joining her in the executive board. Casa do Alentejo proudly boasts a youth folk group to complement its adult counterpart, rhythmic gymnastics, martial arts, and classes in both Portuguese and English.
Recently, Casa do Alentejo has also become the stage for the John Santos Singing Contest with Long and McQuade, one of North America’s most successful events showcasing new talent live on stage.
In 2022, the Consulate-General of Portugal held its Portugal Day Ceremony at Casa do Alentejo, the first time ever that the event was held outside of the Consulate’s location, on University Avenue.
| With files from Luso-Ontario Magazine, 2008 |
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