The parish of Seixo da Beira, in Oliveira do Hospital, hosted on Sunday, October 11th, the “III Tractor Parade and Blessing”. The initiative, organized by the Stewards of the São João Festival, brought together about fifty tractors and included the participation of farmers, shepherds, producers, and community members.
The program featured a mass followed by the blessing of the tractors, a significant moment for the owners and their families, and a parade through rural and forest areas of the municipality. The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of not abandoning the territory, recognizing the work of those who care for the land, ensure its cleanliness, and carry out forest clearing, contributing to the prevention of rural fires.
Simultaneously, the event served to raise funds for the 2027 São João Festival in Seixo da Beira.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Oliveira do Hospital, José Francisco Rolo, accompanied by the President of the Parish Council of Seixo da Beira, Carlos Gonçalves, and the President of ANCOSE, Manuel Marques. José Francisco Rolo highlighted the commitment to preserving and valuing the territory, emphasizing the role of rural communities in landscape protection and economic activity maintenance.
“"Pude testemunhar pessoas empenhadas em cuidar e proteger as áreas agrícolas e florestais, e afirmarem: estamos aqui, existimos, investimos e produzimos, não vamos deixar que nos esqueçam. Estamos cá pelo bem das nossas terras, mas, quando corre mal, também cá estamos. Não se esqueçam de nós!"
José Francisco Rolo pointed out that the active presence of farmers, shepherds, and producers results in clean agricultural land, well-maintained meadows, fuel management strips, and herds that contribute to maintaining the rural landscape, which is essential for fire prevention and vegetation management.
According to the Mayor, the municipality's identity is built on its rural areas and the strength of nature, stressing the importance of recognizing those who live and work in the territory. The parade highlighted the connection of the populations to the land and their role in its preservation.
Rui Ventura, a steward and organizer, emphasized the event's importance in valuing the work of those who keep the territory cared for and productive, combating abandonment and recognizing tractor owners who contribute to fire prevention. The presence of tractors affirms the vitality of communities and the importance of agriculture and pastoralism as activities with a future.
