Ericeira and its Galeão

Posted on September 21, 2010 by florimont

Ericeira’s Ouriço is 50 years old

Posted on September 1, 2010 by florimont

OURIÇO - the most famous disco in Ericeira turned 50 on 25th of August. It is considered as the oldest disco in Portugal. Well done ! It is always a big celebration. Year after year, the crowd is larger and larger at the door of Ouriço to celebrate its anniversary. This year the guests were invited to come dressed in white as a symbol of peace and they waited patiently in front of the disco, facing the sea and breathing in the ocean scented air. It was a marvellous night. In a marquee in the street people watched a film about Ericeira, a beautiful production. It showed times past ans times present, and if we
watch carefully we can see that Ericeira will continue to be a
wonderful resort and its inhabitants will continue to be a most
hospitable people, where tourists will continue to feel happy and to celebrate many more anniversaries at OURIÇO.
Congratulations to the artist who from time to time changes the visual of the disco. It always looks beautiful and different. Happy memories!
I am going to tell you the story of my first visit to the Ouriço. It was 49 years ago. Admission was prohibited to kids under age… but I so much wanted to go… On the other hand, my dear sister, 20 years older than me, to whom I had been entrusted, would not let me adventure into the unknown.
Together with 3 girlfriends, accompanied by a great friend now deceased Sr.Matoso, off we went on our way to Ouriço. Well! – The music was played on the accordion. You don’t believe me ?- But it is true. The manager was Sr. Carlos Gil de Sousa, better known as “Carlos da Cilita”. There was a bar area and a restaurant. On the menu was Cod Ouriço style, a type of bacalhau com natas. It was an unforgettable night. It ended at the same time that youngsters nowadays begin to plan their nightly outings.
I went back there a few years later. The management had changed. My friend Gabriel Campos and Frederico were the new owners. There was still a restaurant, the bar area, nightclub, a lot of records were played and occasionally there was some live music.
Bless all those who inaugurated this space and all those who followed in their footsteps. Only in this way was it possible to celebrate Ouriço’s 50th Anniversary.
Once more congratulations to them all.
(The black and white photo of Gabriel was kindly loaned by his wife)

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Local shops in Ericeira

Posted on July 26, 2010 by florimont

In a short space of time 5 or 6 new supermarkets have sprung up in the area around Ericeira. They are most welcome. They have helped to reduce unemployment in our area, and of course there are always people who like to shop in bulk for the month.
We would, however, like to talk about our local commerce. At almost every streetcorner you will find a grocer’s, butcher’s, baker’s or fruit and vegetable stall baskets.
Our morning market is the venue preferred by most people whether they be residents or visitors. There is fresh fish and mussels from the port, fresh fruit and vegetables from local producers, happy faced salesmen and women shouting typical invitations to attract customers to their counters. “Come to me ladies, everything is fresh, everything is fresh”.
In the past you could see early in the morning Auntie Maria Pinheira pulling her donkey laden with vegetables, fruit, beans, and potatoes. She would attend her clients and friends until two o’clock in the afternoon and then return home to Arrebenta, perched on her 4 legged transport.
With progress more motorways have arrived and by law Auntie Maria Pinheira’s donkey is now forbidden to travel on the roads. Now everyone has a small van or truck to bring their wares. The daily hustle and bustle to put products on show all adds to the charm of the market. The hall is large enough to host all the stalls: meat, pork and delicatessen, flowers and local handicraft.
Come and visit our Mercado! You won’t regret it.