It is amazing how some of our clubs and Ranchos really have a long and varied history, with the growth and changes in the community reflected in the institutions.
It is thus an important and special celebration at each anniversary, and we are delighted to see that the Rancho da Casa Social has managed to reach the elegant age of Forty-One Years! We gathered at the club on the Sunday lunch on the 3rd with a celebration that went on into the evening. Many gathered for this, some from quite far away even, which shows just how much this club is loved by the community.
The celebrations started off with a lovely buffet-style lunch, followed by dessert and coffee, which was a great beginning, and this was followed with no less than TWO folklore groups dancing – and as you well know, there cannot be a Portuguese event without the inclusion of so important an aspect of Portuguese culture! The first group was from Casa Dos Poveiros, and they were followed by the Rancho from Casa Social da Madeira itself, which offered a lovely contrast of the styles of dance and clothing from tradition.
It was notable that there were several VIPs present too, in support of the club, including representatives from the Embassy and from the CCP, and even from other clubs and organizations, like Manny de Freitas and Tony Oliveira from ACPP.
It was impressive to see the whole group of the Rancho there in all their attire which made for a beautiful display. The Poveiros Rancho danced barefoot, as is their ‘trademark’, and it is these small details that really show the dedication of the Ranchos to preserving the culture. It was also notable that the Ranchos are made up of not only the older folk, but also of several very young members, showing how the traditions are being passed on, and that the Ranchos are alive and well in our community.
The Rancho of Casa Social introduced each of its members through the President of the Rancho and it was noticeable that some of the youngsters that are keeping this tradition alive are not even from Pretoria, but from more distant towns, showing that the dedication to the Rancho is serious! It is indeed a proud moment to see this.
Entertainment included the wonderful João Quintino all the way from Madeira, who everyone enjoyed, as well as DJ Liz, and her daughter DJ Miky, so there was plenty of music to ensure that the evening flowed.
We also saw that the YAPS guys were there, and it was great to see them again, I think it is a very important thing that the clubs and groups support each other as it is a great strength for the community.
Congratulations to the Rancho on their anniversary, and we hope to see many more years for this awesome group.
Philip Allebone
Photos: Alberto de Azevedo
