A Varina Statue

Here stands A Varina a bronze statue two meters tall. Sculptor Josu00e9 Laranjeira Santos created her in 1965. She resides in the Encarnau00e7u00e3o neighborhood’s northern square. A Varina represents the Lisbon fishwives the varinas. These women arrived in Lisbon from Aveiro. Their lives were shaped by hardship and resilience. Their colorful clothes and strong voices echoed through the city streets. They carried heavy baskets of fish. They walked barefoot defying authority. A 1928 law forbade barefoot walking in Lisbon. The varinas cleverly circumvented this rule. They’d sit down and cover their feet when police approached. They shared mules shoes among themselves. The varinas played a crucial role in Lisbon’s history. They were essential to the city’s food supply. They also represent the spirit of working-class women. Their image survives in sculptures paintings and songs. A Varina stands as a lasting tribute to these strong independent women. She captures their essence their spirit. Their struggles and their triumphs are immortalized. Look closely at A Varina. Notice the details of her clothing. Imagine her carrying her heavy basket through Lisbon’s streets. She is more than a statue. She is a symbol of a time gone by. A time of hard work perseverance and a distinct cultural identity. A time when the cries of the varinas filled the Lisbon air. A time forever etched in the city’s memory. Remember A Varina and the varinas of Lisbon. They remain a powerful part of the city’s soul.