As the Year Comes to an End: A Love Letter From Favela Café Cultural

As we arrive at the end of the year, something magical always happens:we pause, we breathe, and we reflect on the journey that brought us here.

And what a journey it has been.

In just one single year, we opened a café in Setúbal, Portugal — a dream that became a home. We organized and facilitated events for the community. We created spaces for children to play, for dancers to move, for artists to shine, for friends to gather, and for strangers to become family. We hosted special dinners, comedy nights, workshops, cultural celebrations, and many moments that words will never fully capture.

In one year, we connected with locals who welcomed us with open arms, with travelers passing through, and with immigrants who chose Setúbal as their new home — just like many of us once did.

And in one year, we met incredible people like you.

People who love meaningful experiences.People who value good food and great conversations.People who believe in the power of human energy.

This year felt like we lived many lives.We were a restaurant, a café, a community center, a cultural hub, a dance studio, a comedy club, a tour company. We shaped ourselves to the needs of the moment — not because we wanted to “be everything,” but because that is who we truly are. Favela Café Cultural was born from energy, from possibility, from the essence of human connection.

There’s a book called The Purple Cow that talks about projects that don’t fit inside a box — like the band Queen or the company Apple. These ideas can’t be categorized because they’re bigger than a label. They’re experiences.

Favela Café Cultural is one of those things.

We are more than just a restaurant. More than an event space.More than a community hub.

We are whatever you want us to be.

For some people, we were a cultural center.For others, the perfect place to mingle and meet new friends.For many, a cozy café to work from.And for others, simply a space where they felt at home.

Now that we have closed our physical doors — at least for now — we know that many of you felt a piece of your routine disappear. We felt it too. Having a space gave us a center, a place where people knew what was happening, where the next trips were going, where we’d gather to celebrate life.

But Favela was never just the walls. It was the people inside them. You. Us.

As we reflect on our next steps and on how to stay connected, we’ve been asking for guidance — from past experiences, mentors, other creative projects — and from within. How can we continue serving ourselves and our community in a meaningful, long-lasting way?

We don’t have all the answers yet, but we know this:

We are deeply grateful that you have been part of this extraordinary moment of growth, transformation, and self-discovery. We are still learning. Still expanding. Still figuring out our role in this world and how to express our essence.

But one thing is clear: We are still here.

For now, you will find us through trips, experiences, and events in collaboration with other venues around Setúbal. The magic continues — just in different forms.

And to keep your curiosity alive…Know that we are creating something completely new for next year.Something beautiful.Something unexpected.A way of connecting with one another like you’ve never seen before.

If you know of a space in Setúbal that could host events, let us know — your support matters more than you imagine.

From our side, we will keep you informed as we put together something that feels like “art.”Because in the end, we believe that life is art.

With love, gratitude, and excitement for what’s to come,

The Favela Café Cultural Family