Homenagem às Mulheres da Seca do Bacalhau

In Vila do Conde, a monumental mural stretches across 500 square meters, breathing new life into a chapter of the town’s history: the cod-drying industry that once thrived along its shores. The mural captures the essence of a bygone era, placing at its center the women who laboured daily in the salting and drying of cod - a job that sustained many families and shaped the fabric of the community.

The mural is anchored by a powerful quote from writer Valter Hugo Mãe, who wrote, “This was the sea of women. Here they glorified themselves and here they were shipwrecked.” His words pay homage to the strength and sacrifice of these women, recognising both the pride and hardship of their work. In this scene, they stand as both individuals and symbols, representing resilience, struggle, and triumph.

Designed by artist Isabel Lhano, the mural was executed in collaboration with the Urban Art Center of Vila do Conde, with artists Marco Castiço, Miguel Pipa, and his son, Luís Costa, bringing the piece to life. Together, they created a visual narrative that honours the legacy of these women, allowing their stories to live on in the heart of Vila do Conde. This mural is more than a historical tribute - it is a celebration of the spirit of the women who helped shape the town and a lasting reminder of the sea that bound their lives.