Bem Vindo
Welcome
Who we are
The Filarmónica Santo Antonio Cultural Center in Cambridge, MA has been a staple in the community since its establishment in 1972. It serves as a hub for our band as well as a place to gather, share and celebrate Portuguese culture and traditions. The club offers a variety of activities, such as cultural events, and music as well as traditional Portuguese cuisine served at our Friday Night Dinner with Friends.
FSACC has become a vital part of the Portuguese-American community and continues to thrive as a center of Portuguese culture and heritage.
Please be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out about upcoming events at FSACC. Many cultural events are held in our beautiful function space, which is also available to the public for rent.
Our History
Our band was born, in August of 1972. One summer day at the local barber shop on Cambridge Street, Jose Arruda Ponte and Manuel Pereira Silva were discussing the need for a Portuguese band in Cambridge. They decided to put out a call for musicians, both through word-of-mouth and through a Portuguese radio station. The call was answered by 17 musicians eager to play music. Their first meeting was held in the basement of the old Portuguese church, where they met to discuss how they would develop and manage this band. It was also then that they decided on the name of the band, Filarmonica Santo Antonio. The first board members were voted in, and they were: President Manuel Silva, Secretary Amandio G. Silva, and Treasurer Manuel Tavares. The Portuguese Credit Union (now Naveo Credit Union) provided FSA with an initial loan of $750 so that its musicians could purchase uniforms and instruments and so it began.
Rehearsals began in November of 1972 under the direction of Jose Arruda Ponte, its first conductor , and on July 6, 1973, they got their first official job playing for Portuguese American Civic League in Somerville, MA. They were without a home for seven years, holding practices and meetings in many of the local Portuguese organizations, such as the Copa, Saint Anthony’s Church, and other clubs of the community. In 1979, the F. S. A. bought a building at 575 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, realizing their dream of having their own home, a place where they could gather, play music, and celebrate Portuguese culture.
In 1986 they paid off their first mortgage on the property, it was a major milestone for the FSA, but the biggest dream happened in 1992 when FSA’s home went through a complete remodel. The old building was torn down, and a completely new beautiful building was built, the Filarmonica Santo Antonio Cultural Center. Equipped with practice rooms and event space. Funding for this large project came from many fundraisers and many generous donations from within the community. Most recently another milestone happened when FSA officially became a registered non-profit in the early 90″s.
We are grateful to the founders, musicians, and members for their vision and love for music.
Hall Rental
Rent our hall for your next party!
We do not offer catering, but there is a full kitchen available as part of your rental fee. Our hall can accommodate up to 200 people. We do not have private parking.
For more information and hall availability please email: secretary@fsacc.com
Perfect for:
- Wedding Receptions
- Birthday Parties
- Graduation Parties
- Communion Parties
- Baptism Receptions
- Dance Classes
Join the family!
Become a member of FSACC!
When you become a Member of FSACC,
you provide critical operating support to our organization.
Your support as a member will help keep traditions alive for future generations.
We Need Your Support
FSACC is a 501c registered non-profit.
Your support sustains the vision of our organization. By giving to the FSACC, you are giving to the community.
Every tax-deductible gift, large or small, makes a difference.
*You will soon be able to donate via our website, but until then please call or email to find out how you can donate to our organization.
(617) 864-8514 or email secretary@fsacc.com