I can’t believe it has been 10 years! Time has a way of passing quickly, especially when you’re busy building something meaningful. But I didn’t want to let this milestone pass by without acknowledging it and thanking all of you for your support and interest in Portugal in Vancouver.
What began as a simple idea has now blossomed into a vibrant and thriving community resource! It’s incredible to see how a small idea can grow and evolve into something far beyond what was initially imagined. Portugal in Vancouver has become more than just a business—it’s a place where people can learn about and celebrate Portuguese culture, cuisine, and community.
Here’s to another decade of success, growth, and celebrating all things Portuguese!
I can’t believe it has been 7 years since I started this business. Because of the pandemic, this past year has been quieter than most but I’m still here (and I’m glad you are too) offering Portuguese classes and sharing pieces of Portugal in Vancouver with you.
When I created Portugal in Vancouver back in 2014, I had recently obtained my Portuguese citizenship and a newfound interest in my culture. Even though I grew up in a Portuguese family that ate fish on Fridays and regularly attended festas at the Portuguese Parish in East Vancouver, I had always pushed away that part of my identity to the extent that I even refused to learn Portuguese – and yes, I do regret it! So with my cartão de cidadão in hand, I wanted to get out there and rediscover my people and roots.
But where were these other Portuese-Canadians like me who grew up here? Did others have stories like mine of having a fair-skinned mother who spoke with a thick accent which others thought made her uneducated or of a father with beautiful tanned skin and hair as dark as charcoal that Canadians immediately judged him as lesser for being too dark and swarthy? Were there others who watched their parents be disrespected for their broken English, their skin tone, or their jobs? Who else grew up in this limbo of being not quite white but also not quite ethnic enough? I needed to find these people; I needed these shared experiences; I needed to find where I belong.
So here I was on April 24th, 2014 wondering when I hit publish for the first time on my newly minted Facebook page for Portugal in Vancouver if there were others like me who were looking for a connection to their culture and wanted to celebrate being Portuguese. Was Portugal in Vancouver going to be a flop or will it flourish?
I’m happy to say that it’s been a success! Over the past 7 years, I have met so many people who are just like me. I have made lifelong friends. I have met the lovely hard-working people in our community who keep our culture alive. I have met people who love being Portuguese. And I have met those who love Portugal and want to learn more about our culture and language. You are all why I do this.
So a very happy 7th anniversary Portugal in Vancouver! You have given me a newfound love of my culture, country, and its people and for that, I am forever grateful.
Portugal in Vancouver turned 6 years old today! What a ride it has been. This venture has given me so many exciting opportunities, memories, and friendships. What I’m most proud of though, is serving my Portuguese community. I enjoy finding pieces of Portugal in Vancouver and beyond to share with you.
Turning our gaze towards the present though, this pandemic has changed everyone’s world and no one knows for how long, so I’ve had to pump the brakes on this ride and change gears. You will have noticed that there aren’t really any events except for the live streams I’ve shared from the Portuguese Parishes in both Vancouver and Victoria. I’ve also been posting virtual ways for you to connect to your Portuguese roots and will continue to do so for as long as possible.
However, now is the time to recharge, pause, take a breath and enjoy life’s little moments until things can go back to normal. I will also be using this time to rethink, reinvent, and reimagine what Portugal in Vancouver can offer you
Lastly, I would like to thank each and every one of you for joining me on this ride. Thank you, muito obrigada, for a wonderful 6 years and hopefully for many more years to come.
