Rande

Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of Portugal’s Nord region, lay the quaint village of Rande. Rande has a rich history. It whispers tales of ancient traditions and resilient communities. Today, we stand on the grounds of this historic freguesia. We’ll uncover the stories etched within its very stones. Rande wasn’t always just Rande. It was once known as São Tiago de Rande. This village, with a population of 982 in 2011, has witnessed the passage of centuries. Rande has seen the ebb and flow of life within its borders. Originally part of the municipality of Unhão, Rande transitioned to Barrosas in 1839. Later, after 1852, it found its permanent home within the municipality of Felgueiras. A fascinating fact about Rande is its connection to Francisco Sarmento Pimentel. He was the mastermind behind the first air crossing between Portugal and India. The village also boasts Padre Luís Rodrigues, a renowned musicologist, and Armando Pinto, a prolific historian and community leader. Pinto’s “Memorial Histórico de Rande e Alfozes de Felgueiras,” published in 1997, chronicles the rich history of Rande. In 2013, Rande underwent a significant transformation. It merged with the freguesias of Pedreira and Sernande to form the União das Freguesias de Pedreira, Rande e Sernande. While Rande may have lost its independent status, its unique identity and historical significance remain strong. Its story continues to be woven into the fabric of Felgueiras.