“It is very important that young people, the new generations of Luso-Venezuelans, know our folklore, traditions, and the culture of their parents and grandparents, to continue them. I have been in folklore for 41 years and must pass the baton to the younger people. It is important they know, like, and continue,” she said.
Ermínia Pinto de Fernandes spoke to Agência Lusa about the XXII Madeiran Folklore Meeting held Sunday night at the Luso-Venezuelan Center in the state of La Guaira, organized by that club of which she is the director.
Regarding the Folklore Group of the Luso-Venezuelan Center of the state of La Guaira (GFCLV), she explained it consists of 12 pairs. Besides Luso descendants, its members include Venezuelans who “after attending the first rehearsal, like it and stay” in the group.
“The choreographer of the group, Gregório Ortega, is of Venezuelan origin with no Portuguese ancestry. He is a dancer and teacher of Venezuelan dances,” she noted, emphasizing that the Venezuelans’ appreciation for Portuguese folklore can help preserve Portuguese traditions locally.
Ermínia Pinto Fernandes also expressed her deep emotion in directing the folklore group that organized the meeting and for realizing the event.
“I feel great emotion, a very great joy. Today I conveyed something of what I have loved since childhood. I was only seven when my mother put me in the traditional [Madeiran] costume and I am now 64 years old (…) My son was two when I put him in the traditional costume. He was our choreographer and now he dances for the Boa Nova group [Funchal, Madeira],” she said.
Meanwhile, in remarks to Lusa, the president of the Luso-Venezuelan Center of the state of La Guaira (CLVLG), Eusébio de Sousa, praised the folklore group for having organized the folklore meeting for several months.
He explained that the club was founded 41 years ago, located near the main Venezuelan port and airport, which has facilitated receiving those arriving and departing the country, particularly Portuguese authorities when visiting Venezuela.
CLVLG was also the first stop of the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fátima when it visited Venezuela in 2024.
Regarding the folklore meeting, he explained it signifies “union, growth, and brotherhood” to preserve and continue the Lusitanian roots and traditions.
When asked about the club’s situation that has seen reduced activities in the past, he explained it is “more active,” but this has posed a significant challenge “due to the diaspora, where many members left the country.”
“We had to start renting spaces for sports activities to earn some economic income to continue maintaining the club. We have had some setbacks, but with work and dedication, we have been able to continue,” he said, emphasizing that they currently receive support from Portugal.
Furthermore, he appealed to the Luso community in Venezuela to ensure participation in cultural events that highlight local Portuguese traditions.
The XXII Madeiran Folklore Meeting featured folk groups from the Madeiran Social Center of Valencia, International of the Venezuelan Maritime Center, Amizade of the Portuguese House of Aragua, Pride of Our Land, Virgin of Fátima of Guatire, Memories of Our People, and the Luso-Venezuelan Center of La Guaira.
The Folklore Group of the Madeiran Social Center of Valencia won first place in choreography, traditional costume, best musical group, best male voice, and ethnographic display.
The next festival meeting will be organized, according to a draw held, by the Virgin of Fátima of Guatire group.
