The Portuguese club in the USA maintains its living cultural heritage through the involvement of the new generation and its ability to encompass all traditions. This dynamic center is located in San Diego, southern California, where a Portuguese-Spanish community of about 20 thousand people resides.
Located on Avenida de Portugal in Point Loma, the hall of the Union of the Portuguese Society of the Holy Spirit (U.P.S.E.S) serves as a meeting place for Portuguese-Americans and descendants of Portuguese immigrants who arrived in the region since the late 19th century, primarily associated with fishing.
Annette Balele, the union's president, reported that the main event is the Feast of the Holy Spirit, but they also hold fundraising events and organize numerous community activities. These include the Lapa Festival and Halloween celebrations. Balele emphasized that events are held year-round so the community can participate in the hall's life.
A very popular bingo night takes place at the hall every Thursday, attended even by people not affiliated with the Portuguese community. The hall was nearly full. Balele assured that in Point Loma, one can visit almost any place, and people ask what event is happening at the hall that week. These visitors either grew up here or came from other communities outside San Diego and became acquainted with the Portuguese community.
The leader also noted that many people come to the Feast of the Holy Spirit and the Portuguese goods market located in the same space, and this market is popular. 'We have a good community,' she described.
Kenny Alameda, a grandson of Portuguese immigrants and founder of Clipper Oil, attributed a significant part of the cohesion to religious festivities. He stated, 'We have strong faith. Everyone in Portugal has faith, family, and friends, and that is necessary for success.'
His son Kevin Alameda, who handles the company's daily operations, is not as actively involved in the community as his father, but he tries to take his children to the annual festival. He considers it extremely important to preserve roots and introduce his children to the same traditions he grew up with.
Idalmir da Rosa, who lives in Point Loma and is the honorary consul of Portugal in San Diego, explained that the community is strong because 'all its associations work under one roof,' which led to the name União Portuguesa/United Portuguese.
This Portuguese-American expressed confidence in the future of the community, recalling youthful concerns that subsequent generations might not take over the leadership of traditions. However, he noted, 'There is always interest, there always is. As we get older, it is important to follow our old ways. Portuguese people strongly associate themselves with Portugal.'
Annette Balele, who is in her second year leading U.P.S.E.S, also expressed great confidence in the continuation of the hall and its traditions. She stated that she is very proud that the hall's leadership is very young, as is the audience participating in the events, including royalty and staff.
Balele stressed, 'I am very confident that our community here in San Diego will continue, and our traditions, our heritage, will endure. Our culture is preserved here in Point Loma among a younger audience. I feel honest and proud to be a part of it.'
The Union of the Portuguese Society first established its first hall, chapel, in 1922. Their current premises on Avenida de Portugal were opened in 1948.
