The rancho folclórico "Sonhos de Portugal" was founded in April of 1981 by Agostinho Cardoso along with his family and friends. From the very beginning "Sonhos de Portugal" has been dedicated to preserving the traditions and cultures of the region of Alto Minho. These traditions are not only practiced in the dances and songs but also in the style of clothing worn during performances.
Throughout the 1980's the group participated in many local parades and festivals. In 1985, "Sonhos de Portugal" won first place in a folklore competition in Mineola, NY and second place in another competition in Newark, NJ. The following year they were the only group to represent Portugal at the Statue of Liberty Centennial Celebration in New York. The same year "Sonhos de Portugal" was invited to perform at the Festival of People in Newark, NJ where they received the honor of being photographed on the cover of Metro Newark magazine for an outstanding performance.
After an increase in demand to form a children's rancho "Os Sonhos Continuam" was started in 1992. In 1994, "Sonhos de Portugal" was invited to perform at the Festival of the Azaleas in Norfolk, Virginia where Portugal was the host of nations that year. The same year they also performed at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ for the 50th Anniversary of the Anti-Defamation League. In 1999 "Sonhos de Portugal" was privileged to participate in a video on Local Legacies for the Library of Congress.
More recently "Sonhos de Portugal" has performed on Fox 5 New York as well as for the former governor of New Jersey, Jim McGreevey. "Sonhos de Portugal" celebrated its 25th Anniversary in the fall of 2006. Today many of the members of "Sonhos de Portugal" are Portuguese descendants and are dedicated to carrying on the traditions of their ancestors.
Sonhos de Portugal would like to thank:
Founder - Agostinho Cardoso Director - Tony Cardoso
All of the Members
The many families who have supported our group, thank you to all of you for your dedication.