Gloria Botelho – Founder
Born and raised in Delta, BC, Gloria Botelho grew up in a Portuguese family that ate fish on Fridays and regularly attended festas at the Portuguese Parish in East Vancouver as a child. Gloria moved to Vancouver over 10 years ago and lives near that very same church and the once vibrant Portuguese neighbourhood on Commercial Drive.
A few years ago, Gloria gained a renewed interest in her Portuguese culture and began exploring the local Lusophone community. Trying to find what types of Portuguese events were out there, she turned to her parents who – like most people in the community – relied on word of mouth to find out about the next festa or dinner and dance. Unfortunately, this was not the most reliable method and Internet searches did not prove to be fruitful either.
Seeing a need, Gloria built a Facebook page that was a “one-stop shop” for information about news and events that celebrate Portuguese culture in Vancouver as well as the rest of B.C. Hence, Portugal in Vancouver was created on April 24, 2014, and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and now its very own space on the Internet.
Gloria looks forward to growing Portugal in Vancouver and bringing attention to the Portuguese culture and community. You can find Gloria at the next festa or enjoying a bica and pastel de nata at one of the local Portuguese cafes.
Achievements
Portuguese Experiences in Canada – Panel Discussion
Guest panel speaker at UBC’s Museum of Anthropology
On October 3, 2015, Gloria participated in a panel discussion about her experiences of being Portuguese in Canada. This event was part of a Portuguese art exhibit that was on display at the Museum called “Heaven, Hell and Somewhere in Between: Portuguese Popular Art.”
Co-host on RadioBC
RadioBC is a multicultural radio show for the Portuguese speaking community in BC. The show devotes two hours a week to Portuguese content airing Saturdays on CFUV 101.9 fm in Victoria from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Sundays on CHMB 1320 am in Richmond from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Gloria was a co-host from October 2016 to April 2020. She informed listeners about upcoming events in the Portuguese communities across the Province.
Interview – Radio Television Artesia
On May 24, 2018, Gloria was interviewed by Manuel Aguiar of Radio Television Artesia. Radio Television Artesia (RTA) is a non-profit organization based in Southern California that offers Portuguese programming and is dedicated to reporting the news and events in Portuguese communities locally and worldwide.
Emcee – Farewell Reception for Consul General
On August 8, 2018, Gloria was the emcee for the Farewell Reception for the outgoing Consul General, Dta. Maria João Boavida. The reception was held at the Portuguese Cultural Centre of BC and in attendance was the Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, the Honourable Bruce Ralston, who gave a speech thanking the Consul General for her time and service in Vancouver and with the Consular Corps of BC.
Emcee – Dia de Portugal June 10, 2022
Gloria was asked by the Consul General of Portugal, Dta. Marta Cowling, to emcee the Consulate’s Dia de Portugal event to celebrate Portugal Day, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities.
In attendance were distinguished guests Minister Bruce Ralston, Minister George Chow, Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, White Rock Mayor Darryl Walker and Vancouver Deputy Mayor Pete Fry.
Community Involvement
Gloria has volunteered at Our Lady of Fatima Portuguese Parish in Vancouver and the Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre.
Many associations and clubs in our community are always in need of volunteers. In addition, a lot of the folklore dance groups are always looking for more members. If you’ve got some rhythm, check out one of the many groups in our community. I promise you’ll enjoy it as much as I have.