The Harvest Festival in Vila Verde has opened its doors for five days of celebration of agriculture, traditions, and local identity. The event, involving 33 parishes, over 200 exhibitors, and 41 initiatives, aims to value the work of the land, promote local products, and strengthen the connection of Vila Verde's residents to their roots.
The opening ceremony included a blessing of the harvests, led by Father Sandro Vasconcelos, followed by a session where the Mayor of Vila Verde, Júlia Rodrigues Fernandes, welcomed the Minister of Agriculture and Sea, José Manuel Fernandes, and other officials. The mayor highlighted the municipality's pride in its history and traditions, emphasizing the contribution of farmers and artisans.
Performances by the group ANTIQUA and the Verde Tuna Municipal enlivened the celebration, which also featured various cultural manifestations linked to the rural world and Minho traditions, such as "caurdo", malhadas, and desfolhadas.
The Minister of Agriculture and Sea, José Manuel Fernandes, stressed the event's importance for valuing the territory and agriculture, advocating for the preservation of roots combined with innovation. The Minister emphasized the strategic role of the agricultural sector, the need to support innovation, generational renewal, and food security, stating that "the agricultural sector is not the primary sector, it is the first sector".
The resilience of rural communities and the connection to origins were also discussed themes, acknowledging the capacity of farmers and producers to face difficulties. The Minister also mentioned support from community and national programs, such as the Operational Program North.
The Vila Verde municipality seeks to facilitate the development of ventures and create opportunities, with a strategy to support investment and local value creation. The Harvest Festival is seen as a space for sharing where tradition and innovation intersect.
One of the solemn moments was the tribute to José Mota Alves, honored with the Medal of Honor from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for his dedication to the territory and agriculture. Visibly moved, José Mota Alves accepted the distinction, considering his path a mission.
Over the next few days, Vila Verde will be a meeting point for generations, knowledge, flavors, music, and culture, projecting its capacity for growth and affirming itself as a collective celebration of an identity built over generations.
