The Portuguese community from across South Africa is descending on Bloemfontein in anticipation of the Test match between the Springboks and Portugal this Saturday (20/7).

Numerous gatherings are held throughout the week. It started on Sunday (14/7) with the team’s arrival at the airport and will continue until Sunday after the match.

“The aim of this is to share the sport of rugby with various communities worldwide and between various rugby unions, but also the Portuguese community, based in South Africa,” said Ricardo de Freitas, director of the Young Adult Portuguese Society (Yaps).

The association, which mainly hosts activities in Gauteng, thought it would be a great opportunity to share the excitement with other Portuguese citizens living in South Africa, as for many of them it would be their first time supporting the Portugal rugby team.

The week’s activities include Portuguese musicians, singers as well as traditional dancers who will display their skills, they will also have a festival stall displaying products such as Portuguese souvenirs and their sporting goods.

“The Young Adult Portuguese Society is a group of young and inspiring professionals and entrepreneurs who share our culture, food, and music by hosting various events nationwide, making it possible to share and keep our heritage alive throughout our community.”

The society is ready to immerse themselves in the culture and share it with the rest of Bloemfontein as they’re organising a get-together on Saturday at 11:30 in the Loch Logan parkade ahead of the game to get the spirit going, by cheering before the game and hanging out with other rugby fans.

The full itinerary is available on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

About 450 000 South Africans have one or two Portuguese ancestors, the largest Portuguese community in Africa. However, far fewer still speak the language as immigrants, who came mainly from Madeira, Angola and Mozambique, usually soon become familiar with the Afrikaans or English assimilated society. 

Among famous Portuguese South Africans are the singer Manuel Escórcio, banker Maria Ramos, and the late cricketer Basil D'Oliveira. The former finance minister Trevor Manuel’s great-grandfather was also Portuguese.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg/mvh