Shelley da Silva (left) and Manuela Robinson at the South African Cultural Night
We are thrilled to share the success of a recent event that brought the rich culture of South Africa to the heart of the Algarve. With a sold-out guest list of 100 attendees, the celebration highlighted the vibrant traditions, cuisine, and music of South Africa. The overwhelming demand for this event is a testament to the love and curiosity people have for our beautiful culture.
Culinary Delights and Musical Highlights
The evening began with a warm and inviting welcome from Manuela Robinson, President of CCILSA. Attendees were treated to a delectable four-course meal, each dish authentically South African and paired perfectly with a glass of fine South African wine. The culinary experience was further enhanced by the presence of special condiments, such as Mrs. Ball’s chutney and All Gold tomato sauce, generously provided by Safico, Almancil's premier destination for South African products.
Adding a touch of magic to the evening was the enchanting voice of Isabella Robinson, an aspiring singer who captivated the audience with her performance. Her songs added a delightful musical backdrop to the event, making it a night to remember.
Our Role in Making the Event a Success
At Safico, we were honored to be one of the key sponsors of this remarkable event. As a newly opened store in Almancil, we are committed to bringing the best of South African products to the Algarve. Owners Shelly and Victor da Silva were thrilled to sponsor the welcome drinks, wine, and condiments that played a pivotal role in the evening's culinary success. We also provided a special hamper for the raffle, adding to the excitement of the night.
Community and Collaboration
The event's success was also fueled by contributions from other generous sponsors. The Works a graphic design and printing company run by Adilia and Dean Coleman, provided all the printed materials, ensuring a polished presentation. Pandora’s Box, led by Maryka Etsebeth, played a crucial role in coordinating the event, making sure everything ran smoothly.
Special thanks go to Chef Diogo Simões, whose exceptional preparation of traditional South African dishes was highly praised, and to the management and staff of Vivant for their excellent service. The evening concluded with a raffle draw and more music from Isabella Robinson, followed by a DJ spinning lively African tunes, keeping the energy high and the dance floor busy.
A Night of Networking and Celebration
Manuela Robinson highlighted CCILSA's mission to create networking opportunities and promote businesses. The chamber collaborates with entities like the South African and Portuguese embassies, and other local and international chambers of commerce, benefiting its members through partnerships with TAAG Airlines and The Portugal News. These collaborations offer tangible advantages, such as flight discounts and advertising opportunities. Throughout the year, CCILSA organizes networking sessions, seminars, and social gatherings across various regions of Portugal, including Madeira.
For more information, please contact CCILSA at info@ccilsa.org.
We are incredibly proud to have been a part of this special event and look forward to many more opportunities to celebrate and share South African culture with the wonderful community here in the Algarve. For more details about the event, check out the full story here.
Stay tuned for more updates, and we hope to see you at our store soon!
Warm regards,
The Safico Team