PONTA DO SOL - Get to know this magnificent municipality of Madeira Island

(…) Ponta do Sol is so called because it has a tip to the west of the villa that has the opinion… where also gives the sun first than in the villa when born

 

Gaspar Frutuoso, Missing the Earth (respecting the original spelling of the author).

 

 

In 1420, João Gonçalves Zarco, on a voyage of reconnaissance of the coast of Madeira, reached a point that entered the sea and on which was a rock that, so polished by the breaking of the waves, seemed illuminated by the reflection of the sun's rays. the designation of Ponta do Sol.

 

History
 

The settlement of Ponta do Sol occurs around 1425, shortly after the discovery of the island, by Portuguese settlers from Minho, Beiras and Algarve.

Due to the fertility of its soils, it has always been used for the so-called rich crops, being at the time of colonization one of the most active centers of agricultural production, especially sugar cane. Not unaware of this, on December 2, 1501, D. Manuel I elevated this village to the category of town and municipality.

Since the beginning of its settlement, sugarcane has been the main economy of the county, being used as a bargaining chip with the kingdom for other products needed for daily life, such as tools, fabrics, salt, olive oil, and others.

By the end of the Four Hundred Age, the production of 'white gold' was sufficient for regional and national consumption and still sufficient for export.

To the progress of this village, and as happened throughout the southern part of the island, contributed, besides the Portuguese, foreign elements, namely Flemish, English, Scandinavian, Lombards, Genoese, Moorish, Jews and Africans.

In 1835, the parishes of Tabua, Ribeira Brava and Serra de Água were added to the municipality, which in 1914, after the Implantation of the Republic, was altered by the creation of the municipality of Ribeira Brava. Ponta do Sol municipality. Thus, becoming the smallest municipality of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, a fact that continues to this day.

Between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, Ponta do Sol had a position of strong political and cultural influence in the west of Madeira, a fact recorded by the publication of five newspaper titles in the municipality, one of which, Brado d ' West, which lasted for a decade (1909 to 1918), and registered 858 numbers. There were also three movie theaters, one in 1932, one in 1934 and another in 1967, none of which is currently operational.

Today, this county has a great cultural, economic and social development, being a locality much sought by the climate, the rich heritage and the natural beauty.
 

Climate and relief
 

The sea coast of Ponta do Sol comprises Madalena do Mar, Canhas and Vila do Ponta do Sol.

 

Ponta do Sol has a subtropical climate, with an average temperature during the year of 19.4°C, being considered the county where the sun shines for most hours.

As for the relief presents a very rugged morphology, having some hills with altitudes above 1000 m, such as Fonte do Juncal (1595 m) and Loiral (1415 m), and lower mountain ranges, such as Salões, with 479 m. There lies one of the highest points of Madeira Island Paul da Serra, being the only plateau on the island, with 24 km² in surface and 1500 m altitude.

Water resources include the Ponta do Sol and Santiago rivers.
 

Economy
 

Economic activities concentrate the majority of the population in the primary sector, corresponding to 44 km² for agricultural practice. Noteworthy is the cultivation of sugarcane, horticulture, floriculture and bananas, and the latter is the county of the region that produces the most, thanks to the excellent conditions for its cultivation.

There is also a plant exporting company that exports intensively to France. It also stands out for the growth of traditional commerce and hotels.

Gastronomy and crafts
 

In the county's gastronomy are the typical dishes of the region, such as bay skewers, fish stew, tuna steaks, black sword fillets, grilled limpets, among others.

As for handicrafts, the main works of the county are: patchwork, canvas, wood embroidery, cooperage and wickerwork. It is also noteworthy that in Lombada da Ponta do Sol are created and used castanets of size and unique touch of this same area of ​​the county especially in the groups that join in the churchyard of Our Lady of Conception after the masses of the childbirth. Currently this musical instrument is built only by a local (Raul Gaspar) in his spare time.
 

Outstanding Personalities
 

The father of the American writer John dos Passos came from the parish of Ponta do Sol, a fact remembered in the name of the main cultural equipment of the municipality, the John dos Passos Cultural Center.