The group will hold institutional meetings, perform traditional dances and music, and exhibit photos

Casa de Portugal folklore group to mark 30th anniversary with cultural tour of Brazil

Andorran delegation of 28 members will visit Florianópolis from October 28 to November 3 for institutional meetings and performances

The Casa de Portugal folklore group, based in Andorra, will celebrate three decades of activity with a cultural tour to Florianópolis in Brazil's Santa Catarina state. A delegation of 28 members is scheduled to travel there from October 28 to November 3.

The trip has been organized by Brazilian writer, sociologist, university professor and researcher Lélia Pereira da Silva Nunes, the first woman to lead the Academy of Letters of Santa Catarina. The connection began in Montreal at a conference on the Portuguese community in Quebec, where group president José Luís Carvalho—also referred to as Josep Lluís Carvalho—presented on the Portuguese presence in Andorra. Nunes was impressed and took on the role of mentor and promoter for the visit.

During their stay, the group will meet Florianópolis mayor Topázio Neto in an official audience, strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties between Andorra and the city. The agenda aligns with local celebrations, including the centenary of the Hercílio Luz Bridge and the 500th anniversary of Sebastian Cabot's expedition through Santa Catarina territory.

Artistic highlights include performances of traditional Upper Minho folklore, featuring dances, songs, accordions and Lavradeira costumes. The delegation will also bring an exhibition of photographs titled Integrats, showcasing the group in Andorra's architectural spaces, to be displayed at the Palau Cruz e Sousa. Additionally, they will present a painting of Our Lady of Fátima, created by Portuguese artist Margarida Cepêda who lives in Andorra, to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima in Florianópolis.

Carvalho described the journey as crowning the group's 30-year history and reinforcing its role in promoting Portuguese culture and Andorran heritage internationally. Founded on May 1, 1996, Casa de Portugal focuses on preserving and sharing Upper Minho folklore while fostering cultural links for Andorra's Portuguese community.