“We found this property and we like it,” said Casa Galicia President Antonio Fernandez, who is serving his second term as the group’s head. “People from Spain, they don’t move around much.”
Fernandez said the group moved to Queens because its members, who come from as far as Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey and Connecticut to participate in Casa Galicia’s events, found it difficult to travel into Manhattan, and the Webster Hall space was too large and expensive.
Since moving from Manhattan, Galicia’s membership has more than tripled, now catering to nearly 1,000 families.
Clara Faura, 31, a four year member of the group who is a waitress at the club’s private restaurant, said although not many Spaniards live in Astoria, the club draws from beyond the neighborhood with its members only celebrations. Guests must be invited by someone in the organization.
“They try to get people together from the same country,” Faura said.
Casa Galicia offers activities in Spanish folklore, dance, music and reading and writing, and sponsors trips to Spain for younger members.
Another Spanish club similar to Casa Galicia also calls Astoria home. Circulo Espanol is located nearby at Broadway and 41st Street. Some Galicia members also belong to Circulo.
“When you’re an immigrant, you’re always trying to find your own people,” said Estrella Romero, who is in charge of the cultural programs at Casa Galicia.
The club has been around since 1940 and the Astoria building is the group’s fifth location, and its first outside of Manhattan.
To join the group and participate in its programs, individuals must be Spanish descedants, but members usually come with guests.
“Everybody comes in with friends,” said Maria Roel, who has been a member for more than 15 years along with her husband and three children. Roel comes to the club once a week from Bayside, and said it provides a network for people of a shared heritage.
Fernandez said the club is a way for Spanish culture to thrive in America. “We try to keep that tradition,” he added.
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