Santa Luzia is a fusion of old, new traditional and modern

Santa Luzia is a fusion of old, new traditional and modern. It moves forward with the times but remains enclosed within it´s past. A wonderful dichotomy but for the people that  live here and want to make a living there are some serious questions that need to be asked.

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 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 travelling 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!!

See you next blog

John

 http://www.tavira-today.com