And a gift in life
To live by the waters edge
Whoever is thirsty will drink
Whoever is calm will swim
Celeste Rosa – Rogil
Memories of Aljezur Castle
They said there were some big holes in the castle covered with a white powder; if anyone touched the powder, they would disappear and end up at the sea, Amoreira beach.
Cremilde Amado – Aljezur
Carrapateira
… From the blue and wild sea and a sun so golden
It’s you! Armado Beach, charm of nature
Very white houses looking at those who pass by you
Gives a certain air of grace …
Isobel Conceição – Carrapateira
These excerpts from Acordar Memorias (Awaken Memories), a series of publications showcasing local writings/stories with illustrations, are just one of the projects initiated by Tertúlia – Associação Sócio-Cultural de Aljezur.
Along the western Algarve, from Odeceixe to Carrapeteira, where land and sea connect, residents, artists, nature lovers and creatives come together in a meeting of hearts and minds. Workshops, performances, events and gatherings take place throughout the year. Gatherings that provide a space for knowledge and art, celebrating Portuguese culture and enriching the lives of the young and old.
Tertúlia in Portuguese means ‘to get together’. The word comes from Spanish and is linked to the salons and meeting houses of the 17th century. You may have noticed the word over the door of a cafe or restaurant, a meeting place where, in keeping with Portuguese cafe culture, people gather to share their thoughts on anything from books, art and life.
Tertúlia – Associação Sócio-Cultural de Aljezur was founded in 2003, created by a group of Portuguese and German residents who wanted to regenerate empty school buildings, making art and learning accessible to this part of the Algarve. Over the years, the association has evolved and grown, and it is now playing a central role in the cultural development of the region. Run as a non-profit organisation with a board of committee members and public members, the events and projects rely on local and national funding, with a focus on preserving local heritage.
Maria da Conceição Martins Gonçalves, vice president of the assembly board, says, “We aim to hold onto local tradition and customs whilst being inclusive, and inviting creativity and new ways to engage and interact with the community.”
Past projects like ‘Journeys in My Land’ are a good example of bringing literature, theatre and the landscape together. It combined a bicycle tour through the countryside with book readings along the way.
Book publications, with particular emphasis on the region’s oral tradition, are a big part of Tertúlia’s mission to build on collective memories. Três Pontinhos, Fables of the Vicentina Coast, is a beautiful guide to the plants of the Algarve. Accordar Memorias has collected stories from the elder members of the community, and documented and illustrated them to preserve their words and cultural identity for future generations.
The annual Aljezur Book Festival offers a programme of theatre, writing, workshops, poetry and music. The week-long event returns later this year to its home in Carrapateira. The Christmas fair is also a popular fixture on the Aljezur calendar, along with the plant festival that returns this April/May. Expert speakers will share their insights on the local flora, soil and growing conditions. There will be workshops and films, and to feed our curiosity, private gardens will be open to the public for us to admire and be inspired.
The Odeceixe and Rogil choir brings together senior members of the community in song. Since its creation ten years ago, the choir has expanded its scope to include weekly music and movement classes.
Something new this year is the Aljezur Teen Olympics, a one-day event on 6 April, coinciding with the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace/World Physical Activity Day. The event will bring together young people of all nationalities at the Aljezur sports hall to foster cultural integration and promote physical wellbeing.
There is much to look forward to with a varied programme of events. If you are an artist or creative with a passion and would like to collaborate, or have ideas and would like to offer support, you can become a member of the association and be a part of this ‘love letter’ and help strengthen community ties.
