This video takes you on a tour of the SES hall of Santa Clara also known as the Portuguese Hall of Santa Clara. We are going to take a look inside and tell you about its history and its significance to the city of Santa Clara.
If you have ever driven down Lafayette street towards downtown Santa Clara you have probably seen the Portuguese hall. It has been here since 1896, making it one of the oldest buildings in Santa Clara.
Originally founded by the early Portuguese community of Santa Clara as a place to host social gatherings, meetings, and festivals. It has enabled the Portuguese community to continue the traditions of the old country for over 100 years.
So how is it that right here in Santa Clara that we have a Portuguese hall that has been around for over 100 years?
The Portuguese have a rich history in California dating back to the 1800s.
You see the early Portuguese that came to Santa Clara were not from the Portuguese mainland, instead, they came from a small group of islands in the middle of the Atlantic, the Azores Islands.
Because of its location, the Azores was a very popular maritime stop for ships crossing the Atlantic to be resupplied.
It was here that young ambitious Azorean men seeking adventure and a better life would board these visiting ships and sail the world. It was men like these who eventually arrived on the shores of California, and made their way to towns like Santa Clara.
Here they quickly gained a reputation for being honest and hardworking and were employed throughout the state in various industries. Ranching, fishing, dairies, vineyards, the shipping docks, and later on in the orchards and canneries.
As word grew about the opportunities in California, so did the number of immigrants coming to California from the Azores, as well as Madeira Island and mainland Portugal.
Throughout California where the Portuguese settled, they formed tight-knit communities. They built meeting halls and churches.
Here they were able to recreate the important traditions of their homeland and celebrate their culture in their new country.
Within these communities were Fraternal organizations that developed with the purpose of helping members, especially those in times of need.
Santa Clara was one of the earliest examples of these Portuguese communities and because of this, this hall was built and the SES organization was incorporated.
When the SES organization was incorporated here in Santa Clara in 1896, its charter stated that its main purpose was to hold the Festival of the Holy Spirit every year to provide assistance to its members and community in cases of death and sickness.
For more information about the SES hall in Santa Clara or for information on how to rent the hall please visit.
HTTP://mySEShall.org
Vinicius Brasil
408.582.3272
info@thebrasilgroup.com
source
wow was raised in santa clara went to saint clares & i have to ask myself.would there have a silicon valley.with out you folks …..
I marched for two years 68-69 as side made for the Holy Ghost festival..
I’m from Santa Clara and my parents forced me to be In the Sociedade Espiritu Santo (SES) Band. I never appreciated it and my culture when I was a kid in the 80’.
I’d be so embarrassed in those parades all summer at the different parishes all over California 7:32 . Fyi not all Portuguese in Santa Clara are from the Azores … my parents are from Madeira .
Anyways, now at 56 years old I have just retired and moved to Cascais Portugal -now I know why my parents did what they did. I get it now because I look back at those times as a kid as my parents way of making sure I didn’t forget my roots. My uncle owned Souzas Bakery which is long gone now. Oh how do I miss those days now and how proud am I to be a Portagee from Santa Clara.
Great video. Such a rich history. Thank you for sharing.
Great video. Brings back memories of when I was queen for the Mountain View hall and marched with one of the San Jose bands. Awesome memories of growing up in that community 💕🇺🇸🇵🇹
Thanks for creating this video, I also was raised in this community and all that pertains to the S.E.S. and the hall. I remember in the 50's when they raised the entire building and built the basement as you see it today. One of my dear friends George Silva was the superintend of the project, I am always reminded of what at the time was a miracle to me. I often tell people you can eat and celebrate a fiesta somewhere in Calif. from the Oregan boarder to San Diego from May to October every year and never be charged. There is no ethnic group that is willing to delicate so much time and money to others for only the satisfaction of providing happiness to others.
It is wonderful to hear your personal story showing in this story today while showing the building historic importance. I found cousins who moved and active in Santa Clara in the 1960s that I never met. There is a special tie when when a treasure like this. Thank you.
I'm one of those who immigrated to the Santa Clara Valley, as a young boy in the late 60's. Enjoyed the video. Good job!