DANBURY

From left - 2nd Secretary Acacio Figueiredo, Vice-President Manuel Sousa, Bar Manager Abilio Monteiro, and President Virgilio Martins On May 11, the construction work was completed, but the official grand opening of Casa do Benfica on Main Street in Danbury was celebrated on June 20.

For folks who are not familiar with the name, Sport Lisboa e Benfica, commonly referred to as simply Benfica, it is a multisport club based in Lisbon, Portugal, and is best known for its "futebol" (soccer) team. It was founded in 1904 by a group of 24 men.

In Portugal, a large majority of the population is said to be Benfica aficionados. Almost every municipality of Portugal has its own Casa do Benfica (House of Benfica), and Benfica "houses" can also be found in many cities and towns of countries worldwide.

Luz Leite, representative of the Sport Lisboa e Benfica in Portugal attended the grand opening celebration in Danbury.

Casa do Benfica is a non-profit, members only club that is managed by an elected president and his/her board of directors. But anyone can become a member according to current president and founder Virgilio Martins.

"We already have approximately 100 members. You don't have to be of Portuguese descent to become a member," explained Martins. "Anyone can become a member!"

With an annual membership, one can rent the facility for parties and events, and there are plenty of parking spaces behind and across the street from the building, located at 331 Main Street.

For more information about the Casa do Benfica in Danbury, please call (203) 300-6843.