Portuguese Festa held at Laurance Haines School (From Watford Observer)

Portuguese Festa held at Laurance Haines School

11:16pm Saturday 17th July 2010 in

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A taste of Portugal was brought to West Watford today, as a school held a festival dedicated to the country’s culture.

While the sun shone brightly, residents across the county turned out in force to Laurance Haines School for Portuguese food, drink, live music and dancing.

While sardines grilled on the barbecue, visitors took turns on the tombola to win pottery, or showed off their dance moves as Brazilian Portuguese fusion five-piece Fusao Lusitana played a live set.

Michelle Penny, Ethnic Minority Achievement (EMA) co-ordinator at the school based in Vicarage Road, said: “This is the second year in a row we have held our Portuguese Festa and this is without doubt the best one yet.

“The community has really come together to support us – it’s really quite overwhelming.

“I organised the event in conjunction with teacher Miguel Carvalho, who is from Portugal.

“There is a very strong Portuguese community in Watford and many of our students are from there.

“Initially we started the festival as a means of reaching out to them – we wanted to ensure they were welcomed, as well as help celebrate their cultural differences.

“My role at the school is to ensure students learn about and understand different cultures- by holding events like these I believe we achieve that.”

The event, which was paid for thanks to an £800 grant given by Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, was also inspired by the religious festivals held across Portugal during June.

Mr Carvalho explained: “In Portugal festas are held to honour the saints – Saint Peter, Saint John, and Saint Anthony – with each town celebrating a different saint.

“As we have so many people here who are from all over Portugal, our festival is recognising all the saints. We’ve had to hold it in July though, because of the World Cup.

“It’s been a really wonderful day – the Portuguese community has really come out of its shell and lots or people who aren’t Portuguese have shown their support while learning a bit about our culture and spirit.

“We've brought a bit of Portugal to Watford.”