The village was originally based upon fishing. That is not to say that it
isn´t now. Just that the income stream for the village has swung more
towards tourism over the past few years. But fishing is in the soul here
and the men and women involved in this incredible industry are very
proud of their roots, heritage, and responsibility to maintain and
continue the profession in the village.
I sense many of the fishermen find the tourists something of an
instrusion into their simple lives. Also maybe a smattering of envy when
the Portuguese from the North parade through the streets in their open
top Mercedes and perceived arrogant and patronising smiles. But the
Portuguese have a very long history of traveling the world and looking
for new and better places to make a living. And they still do. There are
more Portuguese that live outside of Portugal than within.
Sadly we have friends who are looking at present to re-locate in other
countries in Europe because they are unable to attain the levels of
income to sustain their lives here in Portugal. Very sad but that is the
reality of Portugal at the moment. Unemployment rises by the day,
further restrictions are constantly being imposed on the local fishermen,
recent increases in VAT on restaurant food together with the tolls on
local motorways is having a big impact on incomes from tourism. And of
course the whole of Europe is feeling the pinch from the economic
situation.
The original idea of this page was to show the fishing boats of Santa
Luzia. But as usual I have been distracted into other issues affecting
the village.
The fishermen continue to provide the best Octopus to our local
restaurants. This in turn attracts visitors throughout the year to sample
the delights of the local Polvo (Octopus) that is prepared superbly in
various forms by the local chefs. I must admit my previous experience of
Octopus did not encourage me to try it again. But, living in the 'Capital
of the Polvo´ I felt duty bound to keep trying it. I now can say that it is
another wonderful type of seafood that I enjoy and would certainly
recommend the great local Santa Luzia restaurants to sample this
delight of the sea.
I am a newcomer to the village and my Portuguese is poor. The locals
are very welcoming despite my deficiencies . Hopefully over the next
few years I will find out more about how the local fishermen work and
think. They have my utmost respect in what they continue to do and
may they farm the seas for many years to come. Obrigodinha Santa
Luzia Pescadores!!
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