Popular Grocery 1936 – Lomba da Maia, Ribeira Grande – São Miguel
The Popular Grocery 1936, located in Lomba da Maia, Ribeira Grande on the São Miguel Island, is one of the oldest grocery stores on the island, rich in history, and is now open to the general public for visits and appreciation.
Due to the opening of new commercial spaces and the arrival of the crisis, the Popular Grocery 1936 ended up closing, much to the dismay of the family responsible for it.
Fotografia de ByAçores
A business passed down from generation to generation. Currently, following an agreement between the Municipality of Ribeira Grande and José Manuel Pimentel (the owner), it has been possible to reopen. Not to function as a traditional grocery store, but as an exhibition space for old pottery and machines from the time when there was commerce and a small bar area.
Índice de conteúdos
Popular Grocery 1936
This was one of the most popular grocery stores in the Municipality of Ribeira Grande and São Miguel Island. Inaugurated in 1936 by António Rebelo, it supported the community by selling oil, kerosene, sugar, and more.
All commerce was conducted over the counter, where customers made their daily orders, receiving products directly over the counter. A typical and traditional grocery store from the 1930s.
Fotografia de ByAçores
Fun Fact: This was the first grocery store to have electricity in this part of the island (video)
A family business that later closed, much to the sadness of its owners, due to the evolution of commerce that changed how people consumed and shopped. Despite fighting against its closure, they ultimately had to close the establishment.
The Reopening
We spoke with José Manuel Pimentel’s wife, who told us that the closure of the grocery store greatly affected the daily lives of those accustomed to opening the doors and welcoming customers. A routine steeped in history that was very difficult to accept.
Then, in June 2016, the possibility arose, in partnership with the Lomba da Maia Parish Council and the Municipality of Ribeira Grande, to reopen the grocery store in a different format.
Fotografia de ByAçores
Today, it serves as an exhibition space for handmade works by residents of this parish, promoting the activities carried out while also valuing local craftsmanship. These works are available for sale.
Exhibition of Utensils and Pottery
In this space that takes us back in time, you will find various pottery from the era, such as cups, bowls used for placing pork sausages during the slaughter, chamber pots, bags, terrines, old radios, among others. An authentic antique museum worth visiting and appreciating.
Fotografia de ByAçores
During our visit, we met Helena (a member of the Parish Council and responsible for welcoming visitors), who kindly and attentively showed us around the grocery store and explained various curiosities about it.
Fotografia de ByAçores
As previously mentioned, we also spoke with the owner, who, during a pleasant conversation, recalled and shared hilarious and memorable moments from the grocery store, becoming emotional.
Drinking Tea
In the old space where the tavern used to be, you can enjoy a lovely homemade green tea. Gorreana tea is also available. A way to appreciate the location while savoring a fantastic hot tea at the tables from that era.
Hours and How to Visit
Address and Location
Largo da Igreja N.º 1
9625-112 Lomba Da Maia, Azores, Portugal
Location
The Popular Grocery 1936 is located in the parish of Lomba da Maia, right in the center of the parish, in front of Largo Sá Couto, near the church.
Hours
Open every day from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Location on the Map
Photos of Popular Grocery 1936
Fotografia de ByAçores
Fotografia de ByAçores
Fotografia de ByAçores
Fotografia de ByAçores
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