The Armenian Community of Osasco (Comunidade Armênia de Osasco – CAO) arose from the Armenian immigrants’ wish to maintain their traditions in the distant country that had welcomed them – Brazil. Maintaining these traditions and the Armenian culture continues to be CAO’s objective today.

 

It is important to know the story of our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, who built the Community with great courage and dignity, facing the many hardships of life. Even more important, however, is to continue their work.

 

The Armenian Apostolic Church has always been one of the key pillars that sustain the identity of Armenians. Its rituals are full of symbolism that dates back to its very beginnings, and the Armenian language is still used in the liturgy.

 

In March of 1942, the Armenian Youth of Presidente Altino Sports and Culture Society (SEC-MAPA) was founded. Its administrative structure was independent from the Church, since its activities were of a non-religious nature, but the Society was nevertheless linked to the Church because they served the same community.b

 

In 1982, when the internal regulations were altered, such administrative dichotomy ceased to exist. Since then, the community has had an Executive Board and a Supervisory Board.

 

Besides having had the historic privilege of erecting the first Armenian Church in Brazil, the Armenian Community of Osasco has always undertaken social, cultural and sports activities.

For decades it ran a school where the Armenian language and history were taught in addition to the regular disciplines. At the end of every year a party was held with music, theater and haygagan bar, the traditional Armenian dance.

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