by Rany Xanthopoulo for First Monday
(2014) People of Portuguese descent have been a part of Sarnia’s multicultural make-up for many years. In general terms Portuguese people are known for being hard workers with a strong work ethic, strong family values and a love for food and wine. Once a small and vibrant community in our city, it has grown to second and third generation Portuguese Canadians who have adopted the Canadian way of life while still valuing the traditions of their parents.
Roy Gouveia was born and raised in Strathroy and after graduating from University he moved to Sarnia and teaches at St. Pat’s. “I have only been back when I turned 16 to visit my parents’ birthplace of San Miguel, one of the nine islands of the Azores,: he says. “My wife is British and our children are born and raised here. Although I do speak Portuguese, our children only understand some of it. As a family, we certainly keep some of the old world traditions,” he says.
Manuel Da Silva came to Toronto when he was 15 years old with his parents and seven brothers and sisters. “My parents chose Canada to have a better life for themselves and their children.” His birthplace was Gracioza, another of the Azores islands. Manuel met his wife, also Portuguese, in Toronto and moved to Sarnia after they got married. For the last 30 years, Manuel has been successful in the construction business. “It seems that I have been in the construction business forever,” he says. “I can remember since I was 10 years old helping my dad hauling rocks,” he says.
Colourful festivals and parades connected to religious traditions are very popular in the Portuguese culture. Locally a festival was held each June at the Portuguese Club on Campbell Street but that tradition has come to a halt due to low level of participation. The Portuguese Club is well-equipped and is available for large functions for the Portuguese community and for any other community group willing to rent it.
Both men agree that Portuguese people love their food such as authentic Portuguese soup with Chourico sausage. Baked or barbecued sardines, any type of seafood, red wine and porto and custard tarts for dessert are also very popular. “The red wine is still made the old fashioned way by putting the grapes through a press,” says Roy. “Music is also integral to the Portuguese culture such as Fado, where a female singer is accompanied by two men on guitar.” As far as sports go, I think we are all familiar that Portuguese people are passionate about soccer.
The Portuguese Club is located at 399 Campbell St., and the phone number is 519 337-9140.