Public event highlights ongoing effort to preserve Algarve’s traditional coastal fishing culture
Lagos is honouring its maritime heritage with the launch of a programme dedicated to Arte Xávega. The first demonstration took place at Meia Praia on June 6, near the Bairro 1.º de Maio area, bringing together local residents, visitors and municipal representatives to witness a practice that played an important role in the social and economic life of fishing communities for generations.
The event marked the beginning of the new initiative designed to preserve and share local heritage through public demonstrations, following an agreement signed in March between Lagos Council and the Associação de Moradores 1.º de Maio.
Whilst the technique is no longer used commercially in Lagos, organisers hope the demonstrations will help keep the knowledge and traditions associated with it alive.
The opening event also served as a tribute to José da Glória Santos, known to many as Zé Bala, who passed away at the end of 2025, and was widely respected within the community. He dedicated much of his life to preserving Arte Xávega and ensuring its history was passed on to future generations.
Speaking at the event, Lagos mayor Hugo Pereira highlighted the importance of protecting traditions that form part of the municipality’s identity.
“Arte Xávega at Meia Praia forms part of a set of practices and knowledge that define the identity of Lagos and its people and must be protected, not only as heritage but as a living memory for future generations,” he said.
Arte Xávega is a traditional fishing method in which a net is cast into the sea from a boat whilst two ropes remain connected to the shore. Once the net has been deployed, teams of participants pull it back to land by hand, a process that can take several hours.
The practice was more than a way of catching fish, bringing together communities and creating a shared effort that involved people of different ages and backgrounds, with participants rewarded with a portion of the catch.
Further demonstrations are expected to take place throughout the year, with dates to be announced through the council’s communication channels.
Although modern fishing methods have largely replaced it, Arte Xávega is a symbol of Lagos’ history, offering a link to the traditions and skills that helped shape the region’s maritime identity.
Article originally published by Michael Bruxo on The Resident.
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