The exhibition “António Aleixo – Poeta do Povo” is open until the 9th of July at the Municipal Library of Loulé.
Considered one of the most prominent Portuguese popular poets, asserting himself for his irony and social criticism always present in his verses, António Aleixo is also remembered as a simple and humble man.
This exhibition, which portrays the life and work of António Aleixo, consists of 12 panels and was provided by the Municipal Library Vicente Campinas – Vila Real de Santo António.
António Aleixo was born in Vila Real de Santo António, on February 18, 1899, and died in Loulé, on November 16, 1949.
Descendant of a humble family, the poet's father, born in the parish of S. Clemente (Loulé), was a weaver and became also known for the way he made and said popular squares.
António Aleixo worked in the countryside, was a weaver, soldier, police, seller of tickets and ties and an emigrant in France. However, he became known in society as a poet.
Professor Joaquim Magalhães would later become his “secretary”, bringing together, later, in a book, his popular quatrains, of great philosophical depth and, today, sung by great interpreters of Portuguese music or remembered in poetry recitals.
The poet António Aleixo was known for his sudden blocks, characterized by social criticism and the portrayal of certain situations he observed in his daily life.
Café Calcinha is inseparable from his work and today next to the esplanade stands a statue in homage to the poet, designed by master Lagoa Henriques.
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