Working alongside the Lambeth Portuguese Wellbeing Partnership, the event saw the streets become a lively community space filled with music, dance, food, arts activities and family-friendly entertainment.
The neighbourhood, which is between Vauxhall, Nine Elms, and Stockwell, is known as Little Portugal, and has been a hub for Portuguese speakers for more than 50 years.
Picture by Ewan Michael Riley
Visitors enjoyed performances from eight Portuguese-speaking countries, arts workshops, children’s activities, cycling experiences and delicious food from local barbecues as people of all ages celebrated together throughout the evening.
Cllr Scott Ainslie, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, Built Environment and Public Realm, said: “Day of Portugal is a wonderful celebration of the communities that make Lambeth such a vibrant and diverse borough. It was fantastic to see people of all ages coming together to celebrate culture, heritage and community spirit in the heart of Little Portugal.
“Events like this enrich our lives: they create a stronger sense of belonging, bringing residents, community organisations and local businesses together in a shared celebration. They also showcase the unique character of our neighbourhoods, supporting local high streets and helping more people discover the businesses, cultures and stories that make Lambeth so unique.”
The event showcased the rich diversity of Portuguese-speaking communities in Lambeth, giving residents an opportunity to celebrate their heritage, share traditions and learn more about different cultures from across the Portuguese-speaking world.
This event was funded by a combination of UK Shared Prosperity funding and Section 106 funding.
Picture by Ewan Michael Riley
Feedback highlighted the positive impact of the event, with more than 90 per cent of attendees saying it made them feel positive about the area and that they felt safe and included.
Cllr Ainslie said: “Day of Portugal continues to be an important moment in Lambeth’s cultural calendar, bringing communities together and celebrating the diversity that makes the borough such a vibrant place to live and, proudly, the most racially integrated place on earth. That’s what makes Lambeth special.”
