Artesia News

Portuguese Dance Festival comes to Artesia

Ten folk dance groups from throughout the state gathered at the Portuguese DES Hall on October 11, 2008 for the 26th Annual California Portuguese Folklore Festival.

This event was held in the Los Angeles area for the first time in ten years and brought together various communities from San Diego to San Jose to celebrate the rich folkloric culture of Portugal. The festival kicked off with a parade along Ashworth Street and convened at the Artesia D.E.S. Portuguese Hall, 11903 Ashworth Street.

Exhibitions of folk dance groups followed throughout the afternoon with songs and dances from Portugal, Madeira and the Azores Islands. Festivities continued through the evening with live band “Raça”, where attendees danced the night away. Portuguese food, artwork and other articles were available for sale throughout the day.

The California Portuguese Folklore Festival is held each year in different cities throughout the sate of California. This year’s festival was hosted by local folk dance group “Grupo Folclórico Retalhos Antigos”, who’s name loosely translates to “remnants of yore”.

Based in Artesia, the group was founded in 1980 and is one of the oldest in California. It is comprised of over 40 members including dancers, musicians and singers, the majority of which are second and third generation immigrants who carry on the traditions of their parents and grandparents. The group performs at various cultural festivals and events throughout the year.