Sociedade creates a sense of community in Amorosa
Nestled in the hills of the central Algarve stands my humble village of Amorosa. Her 300 inhabitants are mostly Portuguese, but ex-pats who are mainly from the UK are also well represented.
During my four years living here, I have gotten to know many friendly neighbors, and I see them as being happy and living in harmony. Perhaps my impression of good neighborhood relations is because beneath the sleepy exterior, there’s an active, connected community.
When I first came to Portugal, I had no idea what my life would be like, but I never expected to be involved in a community, and part of so many people’s lives. The village is quirky and funny, and sometimes sad, but it feels very real. It’s never boastful or pretentious.
Often, the short walk to take out rubbish leads to three or four conversations, to and from the bins.
The beating heart of the village is the social club, or “sociedade”, called A.R.C.A. (Associação Recreativa e Cultural da Amorosa). A.R.C.A. was born in 1976, soon after the Carnation Revolution ended the dictatorship and brought freedom and democracy to Portugal.
The “sociedade” is a surprisingly large facility to be located in such a small village. The entrance is through a gate into a pleasant, sunny courtyard with several tables and umbrellas. Through the door to the inside, there is a café with a long bar. You can order coffee, soft drinks, or something stronger.
There are sports trophies displayed everywhere. Townsfolk chat and read newspapers, as longtime A.R.C.A. president Belarmino Lopes Custódio greets each one. The facility also has a games room, a large banquet hall with a stage and a kitchen, a sports field, and a big covered outdoor function area with a kitchen.
Last week, on the 25th of April, the popular annual “Freedom Day” luncheon was held at A.R.C.A.’s large function room. It was a sold-out event. It started with a free meal just for the children who live in the area. It’s a pleasure to watch the next generation noisily enjoying each other’s company.
Soon the children’s lunch is over, and the kids are quickly hearded out as the grown-ups begin rushing in. Ten minutes of controlled pandemonium ensue. Now, everyone is racing around long tables in the function hall trying to establish where to sit. Mostly everyone knows mostly everyone else in the boisterous crowd.
There are so many volunteers making the lunch run smoothly. I am delighted to be part of this community as we celebrate living here.
The village of Amorosa is part of the town of São Bartolomeu de Messines, which is governed by the historic city of Silves. Today, the president of Silves, Rosa Cristina Gonçalves da Palma, and the president of Messines, Carla Benedito, are here to celebrate with A.R.C.A. president Belarmino Lopes Custódio. Many other local dignitaries join them.
“The association is a meeting point for the people of the village and beyond,” says volunteer Tiago Custódio. “It is a place that we can see old friends and family, a way of coexistence and friendship between all the local residents. A place where all the people gather around to enjoy life in all her beauty”.
“What does A.R.C.A. mean to me?” said longtime member Sue Loram. “In one sentence, it means a place where the whole community of foreigners and local Portuguese come together to celebrate living – VIVA! Long live freedom!”
“Our participation in the sociedade is a way we ex-pats can show respect for the Portuguese people,” said Amorosa resident Rob Thorne. “They have welcomed us in their country, shown us friendship and acceptance. At A.R.C.A., we all celebrate together.”
Photos: ERIC ROTH
Eric Roth is a lifelong photojournalist from Boston, USA, and now living in the Algarve. He loves to cover culture, arts, and life in Portugal. ericrothphoto@gmail.com
