Fishing
For many years fishing, along with moliço harvesting and agriculture, played an important role in the local family economy. This activity was developed through different techniques, involving men, women and young people. Among the most common fishing processes that were practiced / practice in Pateira, are:
» The sertelha – rod, with or without a cord and a bait rod, used mainly in eel fishing;
» The nassa – a kind of cage in the shape of a cone, made of wicker, used in fishing for pimpão, carp, barbel and largemouth bass;
» The galricho – a trap made up of wicker arches inserted in a net bag – used in fishing for smaller species and for eel, usually baited with earthworms or crabs, with one or two sewn-on bones inside.
» The slingshot – a kind of harpoon with teeth – used in fishing for lamprey and flatfish, made of tempered iron with a wooden handle (between 3 and 4 m) and 7 to 8 pointed teeth.
» Fishing rods and nets are the techniques that remain today – with hook fishing, in more remote times, a more common practice for women and girls – whereas in the past it was a very simple system, formed by a rod, a wire and a float (cork stoppers and a piece of lead) using pieces of bread as bait, the so-called “sebadouro”.
Pateira is, nowadays, also sought after for sport fishing activities, such as Carpfishing.
Catch the moliço
The collection of moliço was one of the activities carried out in Pateira and which was of great importance for the population, but also for the maintenance of the lagoon itself, preventing the advance of the swamp.
Moliço is composed of several vascular plants, of which the main ones can be highlighted: Zostera noltii (moss, sirgo, seba), Zostera marina (ribbon), Potamogeton pectinatus (tail), Ruppia cirrhosa and Ruppia maritime (arganel grass). or sirgo).
The areas where the moliço settles are of great ecological importance as they provide shelter to the most juvenile fish species. They are a source of primary production and, in addition to accumulating energy and nutrients, they help to stabilize sediment at the bottom of the water.
In the middle of the 20th century, the collection of moliço was conditioned by two dates, having been prohibited from 1 January to 10 March and from 8 July to 25 August. The opening days of the moliço harvest were festive days in the riverside areas.
On these occasions, before sunrise, the inhabitants were already on the shores of the lagoon, equipped with the appropriate tools, just waiting for the Fermentelos bell to start one of the biggest work competitions in the region. The rod, the rake (with a handle between 2.5 m and 3 m and 84 iron teeth) and the shovel made up the work tools used.
Frantically harvested, the bateiras were loaded to the top and unloaded on the shores of the lagoon. Later, the moliço was transported in ox carts to the land where it would serve as natural fertilizer.
Agriculture
The characteristics present in the surroundings of Pateira de Fermentelos and in the valleys of the local rivers, give expression to irrigated cultures, where rice, corn and vegetable species stand out.
The cultivation of corn, associated with human and animal food, can be observed right in the vicinity of Pateira, occupying floodplains and small plots adjacent to the villages.
Rice cultivation played an important role in the Cértima River valley for several decades, but with time it diminished. It currently occupies only part of its original area.
The Bateira
In Pateira de Fermentelos three types of traditional boat were used, being common to find the small moliceiros, the box boats and the bateira.
Currently, only the use of the bateira (bateira patacha), or speedboat, designation given in the Baixo Vouga region (mostly in Pateira de Fermentelos) remains active.
They must have been one of the first vessels used to transport people, livestock, agricultural products and harvest aquatic plants.
They are characterized by their fusiform shape and flat bottom, for having a very simple construction and for being built in local pine or eucalyptus wood with a burnt oil or pitch finish.
They do not have defined dimensions, and can vary between 4.40m and 6.80m in length, 1.15m to 1.40m in beam and load capacity between 350 and 400 kg.
They are moved with a eucalyptus stick with a triangular tip to prevent it from burying itself in the mud. Each vessel also has a wooden shovel, with the purpose of removing the water that accumulates on its bottom.
The decline in socio-economic activities in Pateira and its surroundings, led to a reduction in the use of this vessel and the disappearance of others. Currently, they are only used in some fishing, to preserve the family history or for recreation, so you can still observe the mooring of several on the banks of Pateira.
Ois da Ribeira Park
Located on the right bank of Pateira, the leisure park of Óis da Ribeira is a pleasant space that allows you to enjoy a time of conviviality or simply enjoy the calm and tranquility so typical of this place on a walk through nature, watch a sunset, or aspects of its unique fauna and flora.
Equipped with several structures, it houses the hangar of the ARCOR canoeing center and a bandstand where different dynamics and festivities are hosted throughout the year.
It is here that you can also find the emblematic “I Love Pateira” swing, walk along the walkways over the lagoon or enjoy a meal at the Pôr do Sol restaurant.
The park also has equipment to support leisure activities, such as:
- Coffee
- Picnic park with barbecue
- Fount
- Playground
- Sanitary
- Parking
Espinhel Park
With two imposing viewpoints that allow a panoramic view over the lagoon, Espinhel Park is located on the south bank of Pateira and is an extremely pleasant space that invites not only moments of conviviality but also of introspection in this space where tranquility reign. uniqueness of biodiversity.
It is a well-kept place, equipped with various support structures that respond to possible needs regarding your enjoyment of the space in entertainment and leisure activities.
Here you can find:
- Picnic park with barbecue
- Fount
- Playground
- Installation – outdoor exercise
- Viewpoints
- Sanitary
- Parking
Requeixo Park
The Requeixo Park is located on the north bank of Pateira, from where you can see the Cértima River regaining its natural shape.
The imposing poplars mark this riverside bank where dark green tones and serenity abound. Here you can see a vast amount of waterfowl because there is a dense reedbed on the opposite bank, the ideal habitat for these species.
Its viewpoint creates the ideal conditions for bird watching. This space is also equipped with equipment to support recreational activities, such as:
- Picnic park with barbecue
- Sanitary
- Viewpoint
- Parking
Here you can still see the bandstand that houses the artists in festivities such as the Festa do Peixe da Pateira and other events promoted throughout the year.
Locally valued for its environmental importance, it receives several visits promoted by the Environmental Interpretation Center (CMIA)
On this bank it is still possible to have a privileged contact with the typical boat, the bateira, where they are moored here.
Emigrante park
The Emigrante park is located on the left bank of Pateira, in Fermentelos.
In this place with a privileged view over the lagoon, there is a delicate space for leisure and recreation, where calm, nature and history merge.
Understood as a local point of reference, here you can visit the emblematic monument to the emigrant, built in honor of the Portuguese (especially those born in this parish) who dispersed across the five continents in search of a better life.
The Estalagem de Fermentelos is also located in this place, built in the 1970s and still in operation today. Thus, in this immediate surroundings of Pateira, in addition to its magnificent landscape, visitors can count on a space equipped with:
- Accommodation
- Coffee
- Restaurant
- Picnic park
- Monument
- Viewpoint
- Parking
In this square, throughout the year, various activities are carried out, from occasional meetings to annual festivities and get-togethers.
It is also at this point that the PR7 pedestrian trail begins, the ideal activity for those who want to explore a little more about this locality, combining the walk with its discovery.