each of the carioca soccer teams has its own distinctive personality, culture, fan club, and history - connected by championship cups, and various sports, their unique histories has guaranteed individuals identities for each club - the clube de regatas vasco da gama is probably among one of the most unique

the clube was founded in 1898 by a group of portuguese immigrants who wanted to participate in canoeing races - after its creation it became very successful and won several important events

being a multi sport club, the vasco da gama has an important presence in other sports beyond soccer - they have won several trophies across the board, being especially proud of the achievements in rowing - an interesting aspect of club's culture comes from the way in which it embraces religion - the cross is a symbol of christ and the club features a chapel inside its são januário stadium