The sea is a key element to understand the Portuguese soul. Source of inspiration for many poets and writers across the centuries, the Atlantic Ocean has always been, in the enlightened words of former politician Adriano Moreira, “our Atlantic window is our space of freedom”.
Located in the westernmost spot of the European continent, Portugal borders with Spain and the Atlantic. More than a geographic border, the sea has always been for the Portuguese a path to the world. During the Portuguese Discoveries, in the 15th and 16th centuries, and the Portuguese opened relevant maritime routes to Africa, America and Asia.
The Portuguese Discoveries played a major role in the exploration of the maritime world. A country of seamen and sailors, Portugal has been recognised for the high expertise and deep knowledge of sea-related issues.
Nowadays, the shift towards a blue economy sets the momentum of a new era, a rediscovery of the sea.
Portugal owns an enduring tradition of ship building and repair. The shipyards of Aveiro – Navalria – and Peniche – Estaleiros Navais de Peniche are a world reference of know-how, quality and expertise.
The sea defines the Portuguese identity because it has helped shape the country’s history, cuisine, culture, economy and the way the Portuguese see themselves: a people with a small territory, but historically connected to the world through the Atlantic ocean.
The sea as the path for a better future. A common goal.
The Message by Fernando Pessoa
In his iconic oeuvre majeure, The Message (1934), Fernando Pessoal regards the sea as pivotal symbol of Portuguese identity. The sea as a symbol of the fate of the Portuguese, a national mission.
In this major work, the sea has a double meaning: in the one hand, the sea stands for glory, and on the other hand, it symbolises grief and loss, costing thousands of lives, sacrifices and utter suffering.
The ocean conveys an almost spiritual idea: Portugal is destined to be a great nation and also the notion of the 5th Empire is a spiritual one. The sea as the path to a greater destiny.
The sea is also deeply intertwined with the so Portuguese concept of "saudade". The eternal longing for something that will not come true, the battle between leaving and wishing to stay. A very Portuguese feeling. A problem without solution whatsoever.
"Mar sonoro, mar sem fundo, mar sem fim.
A tua beleza aumenta quando estamos sós
E tão fundo intimamente a tua voz
Segue o mais secreto bailar do meu sonho.
Que momentos há em que eu suponho
Seres um milagre criado só para mim."
Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen
