Sarilhos Pequenos

Sarilhos Pequenos is a former civil parish in the municipality of Moita, in the central district of Setúbal of continental Portugal. In 2013, the parish merged into the new parish Gaio-Rosário e Sarilhos Pequenos. With an area of approximately 3.79 square kilometres (1.46 sq mi) its population in the 2001 census was about 2049 inhabitants (equivalent to 276 inhabitants per kilometre square).

Sarilhos Pequenos road plaque

History

Sarilhos Pequenos has been known historically as land of fishermen and fish-salters; until the 1960s-1970s, and for decades beforehand, 90% of its population was supported by the fishery from the ravines and rivers of the region.

Its name is derived from the conversion process used in transforming the saltwater into salt, using a wooden device or sarilho that would permit the entry of water into the salt-flats. The water would be contained in compartments protected by one metre walls (or margateiras), where evaporation would take place, and finally salt could be collected. Unlike the process encountered in Sarilhos Grandes, the people of this parish used smaller devices, thereby achieving their fame and the toponymy for the area. Although this work disappeared with modern techniques, much of this cultures legacy has remained in the brightly painted small residences and the fishing nets, now used to stop insects. Further, the dockyard also preserves the historical connection the parish has with the water, with the construction and repair of the typical Tagus fishing boats.

Sport

Historically, the 1º de Maio Futebol Clube Sarilhense, known for raising some important football players, was founded on 5 January 1918, by then first president Orlando Santos. The club is considered the fourth oldest team in the district of Setúbal, whose roster included former local football star Manuel Fernandes (who played in the Sporting Club de Portugal and the Portugal national team), later coach of Vitória F.C.

Shipyard and basin