Graciosa Community Centre
| Founding Date: | 1980 |
| Address: | 279 Dovercourt Road Toronto, Ontario M6J 3C9 |
| Telephone: | 416-533-8367 |
Brief History
Audio Version:
In 1980, a group of people from Graciosa decided to form an organization to serve all those who hailed from this Azorean island. The intent was to have a space where they could celebrate their culture and reminisce about the land they had left behind. The organization grew quickly and, two years later, it purchased its headquarters in what was then the heart of the Portuguese community in Toronto, on Dundas and Dovercourt.
Former President, Jorge Lima, recalled the purchase in a conversation with Luso-Ontario Magazine, in 2008. “The building was a church and then we renovated and built a stage. Each member donated money, some $400 and others $1,000, and we put a down payment on the building. Through the years, we continued to renovate as we raised funds”, Jorge Lima recalled.
A folklore dance group was once part of the association, but it is no more. Graciosa also once offered Citizenship Classes and helped members who needed to fill out Government forms.
While some activities are no longer offered by the organization, others continue to thrive as is the case of the danças de carnaval, the beauty pageant, and annual picnic.
Over the years, many artists have performed at the association’s headquarters such as Marcelo Neves and Agata.
| With files from Luso-Ontario Magazine, 2008 |
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