Cape Verdeans showed their President that Loulé «is terra sabi»

José Maria Neves also went through Faro and by the University of Algarve

Photos: Pedro Lemos | Sul Informação

«Mr President, Loulé is land I knew», exclaimed Lídia Silva, standing in front of José Maria Neves, the head of state of Cape Verde, who had this Saturday, July 30, a meeting with the vast Cape community.-Verdiana residing in this Algarve municipality. The soul of Cape Verde «is the size of the world». 

As explained by Dona Lídia, one of the best known faces of the Cape Verdean community in Loulé, land sabi is a creole expression that, in Portuguese, means good land.

«I have lived here for a long time and this is a good land, Mr. President, who was able to welcome us», he said, in one of the most emotional speeches of this meeting that took place at the Parish Center of Loulé.

The history of the presence of Cape Verdean immigrants in the municipality of Loulé began more than 50 years ago, with the installation of the Cimpor cement factory.

Vítor Aleixo, president of the Chamber, recalled this.

 

José Maria Neves and Vítor Aleixo greet each other – Photo: Pedro Lemos | Sul Informação

 

«Loulé was a quiet, provincial town, where time passed slowly, and many people came to work here. Since then, this community has not stopped growing, making an active contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of this territory”, he recalled.

The history of the Cape Verdean presence in the municipality of Loulé has, moreover, «very happy moments».

It is a story «that went very well», added the mayor, and that materializes in names such as Dino d'Santiago, the singer who was born in Quarteira, son of parents born in Cape Verde, a country with which the artist maintains close ties. .

But also in many “anonymous citizens” who work in areas such as hotels, restaurants and civil construction.

«Cape Verdeans built our community with their work, their dedication. Loulé is a territory of sharing, of mixing cultures, traditions and, without that, we would be poorer», said Vítor Aleixo.

Filomena Varela, a Cape Verdean who has lived in Loulé for several years, spoke on behalf of the community and also recalled the fact that this is a country of “working” people.

«Know, Mr President, that many Cape Verdeans would like to be here with us, but work prevents them from giving you a hug. Some have called me asking for the same thing. We are hardworking people, but our land is always in our thoughts and blood”, he said.

 

Photos: Pedro Lemos | Sul Informação

 

The Cape Verde diaspora extends to the four corners of the world. President José Maria Neves, elected in 2021, recalled this reality, in a speech much applauded by Cape Verdeans present at the Parish Center.

«Cape Verde is those 10 islands and all of these are also scattered around the world. We are a nation with a very strong diaspora and understanding it is essential to understand Cape Verde», said the Head of State, after having watched an interpretation of the National Anthem, sung by young people from the Esperança e Paz Association, and the performance of a group of drummers.

José Maria Neves thanked the «fraternal way» in which Cape Verdeans are treated in Loulé.

“I felt that affection with which they talk about our community. Cape Verde is a country with a soul the size of the world», considered the President of the Republic.

On this visit to Loulé, the head of state, in addition to being received at the City Hall, also visited the Islamic Baths. From the hands of Vítor Aleixo, he received the key to Humanism, the highest distinction given by the municipality of Loulé.

On the part of the community, José Maria Neves also heard requests for the Cape Verde Consulate to be transferred from Portimão to Loulé, where more immigrants from this country live.

Eurico Monteiro, Cape Verde's ambassador to Portugal, answered the many questions, assuring that Loulé will soon have a consulate and a consul.

It will be a joy for Dona Lídia, for Dona Filomena and so many Cape Verdeans who live in Loulé, a «Sabi land», but don’t forget Cape Verde.

 

Photos: Pedro Lemos | Sul Informação

 

 

 



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