Arcena People's House

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Community Centre

District: Lisboa > Vila Franca de Xira > Alverca do Ribatejo > Arcena

Location

The Casa do Povo de Arcena is located in Arcena, an area of the locality of Alverca do Ribatejo, within the municipality of Vila Franca de Xira. The main building is situated on Rua Dr. José Eduardo Vieira, a central point in this community.

Arcena, although part of Alverca do Ribatejo, maintains its own environment, characteristic of the urbanizations that developed over time, contributing to the area's dynamics and identity.

Historical Legacy and Purpose

Founded on March 15, 1934, the Casa do Povo de Arcena was established with the fundamental purpose of supporting rural workers, the predominant profession in the region at the time. Its initial social function focused on providing health assistance and raising subsidies for the employment of workers in times of difficulty, particularly through the repair of public roads and paths.

Over the decades, the institution expanded its mission, adapting to the community's needs. It has developed a wide range of social, cultural, recreational, and sporting activities, aiming to promote the well-being of the population it serves. Its importance was officially recognized in 1982 when it was classified as a public utility legal entity, and in 1994, with the award of a cultural merit prize.

Contributions to the Community

The Casa do Povo de Arcena is notable for its tangible contributions to the development of the local community. Among its most significant actions, the construction of a school building with two classrooms stands out, a major undertaking assumed entirely by the institution. It also contributed to the repair of the Chapel of S. Clemente and played a crucial role in securing drinking water for the population, as well as in the construction of a public fountain in the center of the locality.

These initiatives illustrate the active role of the Casa do Povo in improving infrastructure and the quality of life for the inhabitants of Arcena, reflecting a lasting commitment to social and community progress.

Cultural and Ethnographic Dynamics

The cultural aspect of the Casa do Povo de Arcena is particularly rich and diverse, demonstrating the region's associative dynamism. Throughout its history, the institution has been the birthplace of various artistic and cultural expressions, from the formation of musical and theatrical groups to the creation of a folklore group, which preserves and disseminates local traditions.

One of the points of greatest interest is the Ethnographic Museum of the Casa do Povo de Arcena, inaugurated in 2012. This space, located in the former primary school facilities that belonged to the institution, houses a collection that offers a perspective on the traditional life of the people of Arcena until the mid-20th century. Visitors can discover memories of past times through photographs, costumes, work machinery, and period tableware, a collection carefully gathered and preserved by the Casa do Povo over the years. Currently, the institution continues to be a vibrant center of activities, including sports, music lessons, fado, yoga, and gymnastics, keeping its connection to the community alive.

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