In recent years, there has been a shift in heritage policies towards incorporating heritage communities and encouraging participatory practices. However, the concept of community often possesses a romantic appeal, leading heritage professionals to adopt the notion uncritically. The ‘messy’ practice of engaging with communities should not be taken for granted. This article explores the very premise of community engagement, offering a critical reflection on the meanings we attach to it. Drawing from my fieldwork experience in a Cabo Verdean heritage community in Rotterdam, the article evaluates my own engagement, exposing the necessity to broaden the understandings of community and participation. To foster more socially engaged practices, it is essential for cultural workers to challenge one’s own assumptions and biases.