Nine People's House

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Community Centre

District: Braga > Vila Nova de Famalicão > Nine > Santo António

Location

Casa do Povo de Nine is located in the heart of the locality of Nine, a community landmark in the Santo António area, within the municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão. Its central position reflects the urban environment of the parish, being easily identifiable by its presence in the local landscape.

A History Rooted in the Community

Founded in April 1940, Casa do Povo de Nine stands out as one of the oldest institutions of its kind still active in Portugal. Its creation, during a particular historical period, aimed at social support and the economic-social and cultural development of rural communities, as well as defending the interests of agricultural workers. In its early days, the institution played a vital role, providing everything from healthcare to primary education centers for the region's most vulnerable.

Over the decades, Casa do Povo de Nine adapted and expanded its activities. In the years following its foundation, it implemented training programs geared towards rural life, such as "Family Training Courses" aimed at women, focusing on domestic and maternal knowledge, and agricultural improvement courses for men. Notable figures like Dr. António Rodrigues are still remembered today for their remarkable generosity and dedication in supporting the health of the most disadvantaged populations, illustrating the spirit of solidarity that has always guided the institution.

Architecture and Cultural Expression

The headquarters building of Casa do Povo de Nine, whose construction began in 1957 and was completed in 1959, was, at the time, an example of architectural modernity. Its construction benefited from the contribution of numerous private entities, demonstrating the community's involvement in the realization of this space. Its structure, admired for its contemporaneity at the time of its inauguration, remains a striking feature in Largo de Santo António.

The institution's identity is also evident in its coat of arms, adopted in 2004. Featuring a golden oval shield displaying an old locomotive, a stork in flight, and a bunch of grapes, this symbol evokes distinctive elements of the region and its heritage, connecting Nine's railway history, natural life, and agricultural tradition.

Dynamism and Legacy

From early on, Casa do Povo de Nine promoted culture and sports. As early as 1951, it fostered the formation of an orchestra and a folklore group, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of local traditions. Later, in 1986, the institution gave birth to an athletics group that would achieve great success. The noble hall of Casa do Povo is a visible testament to this sporting legacy, displaying hundreds of trophies that celebrate the team's achievements and the passion for athletics in the parish, merits that earned it recognition through the Medal of Sporting Merit from the Municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão in 2015.

Currently, the institution remains active in organizing various cultural and sporting activities for the local community, demonstrating its continuous social and cultural relevance, and its ability to reinvent itself and serve present generations, without forgetting its rich history.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt