Fuzeta and Ílhavo were united last Saturday, 18 May, by a twinning protocol signed by the presidents of the Union of Parishes of Moncarapacho and Fuseta and of the Parish of São Salvador de Ílhavo.
The ceremony took place in the auditorium of the parish council of São Salvador and was attended by about a hundred inhabitants of the Union of Parishes of Moncarapacho and Fuzeta, including former cod fisherman, which was the main link. between the two fishing villages.
«At the genesis of this friendship between the populations of the two parishes is the cod fishing in Newfoundland. Since the century. In the XNUMXth century, a cordial and affectionate relationship was established between fishermen from the two main areas, which will be perpetuated with this twinning protocol, thus consolidating the bonds of unity and cohesion between our communities", said Manuel Carlos, president of the Union of Parishes of Moncarapacho and Fuzeta.
The mayor also promised commitment to «developing and deepening relations between the two parishes, because we believe that this protocol will translate into effective benefits for the citizens we represent, promoting sociocultural and sporting exchanges, through the realization of common actions and projects. ». 
Manuel Carlos also believes that new doors for tourism will be opened, thus contributing to the development of both territories.
João Campolargo, president of the Parish of São Salvador de Ílhavo, for his part, considered that this was "an important moment for the two parishes" and also wished that "other moments of meeting between the two parishes and their respective populations would be repeated."
It was Marques da Silva, an island researcher, who opened the doors to this twinning between Fuzeta and Ílhavo: «It's a tribute to previous generations», he justified.
The delegation that traveled from the Algarve had the opportunity to visit the Maritime Museum of Ílhavo – which holds many memories of cod fishing – and the Vista Alegre Museum, in addition to having attended the 2nd Gala of the Parish of São Salvador.
«In almost all the streets and houses of Fuseta and Ílhavo there are memories of the times of cod fishing in the North Atlantic seas and the crew of many cod vessels consisted, above all, of fishermen from both locations, thus establishing a fort. bond of friendship and camaraderie, consolidated in the hard task of angling on the dories and then, at night, on board the ship, in the work of preparing and preserving the fish. In this way, bonds of friendship were created, which later also extended to their families», explains the União de Freguesias de Moncarapacho and Fuzeta.
The physical environment in which the two locations are located «is also similar, with lagoon areas and their creeks and marshes, in which the production of salt and its preparation for sale is also a common point. The similarities also extend to shellfish gatherers and nurserymen, who have their livelihoods in the rias», adds the municipality.
The next meeting between the two parishes is scheduled for June 22, with a visit to Fuzeta by a delegation from Ílhavo, for a second act of this twinning.
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