You’ve probably heard the expression “it’s bad weather on the canal”, haven’t you? But do you know what it means?
This expression became known, or rather, even more, popular when the novel by Vitorino Nemésio, an illustrious figure from the Azores archipelago, was written. This novel was published in 1944 and was considered one of the masterpieces of Portuguese literature. The novel takes place in the city of Horta, on the island of Faial, with the island of Pico and its striking mountain in the background.
Vitorino Nemésio, picture by João Santos ©
The canal is the sea that separates the two islands but also ends up uniting them. This channel was very important because it triggered an intense economic and commercial activity over the centuries between Faial and Pico. Both complimented each other.
The island of Pico was short of grain and this was overcome with supplies coming from Horta. On the other hand, the excellent wine products from Pico projected the port and the city of Horta beyond its borders, thus supporting the Faial aristocracy. This marriage between the two islands mitigated their territorial isolation, the canal is the main vehicle of this connection.
Vitorino Nemésio’s novel portrays, in a general outline and as a summary motif, the social tensions of the first quarter of the 20th century, especially between the traditional nobility and the rising middle class.
The channel between the island of Pico and the island of Faial, with the islets of Madalena insight. Photo by Madalena Municipality ©