Molicer Boat “Os Violas”

The moliceiro boat “Os Violas” was donated to the Municipality of Vagos by Ti João Violas' son, Mr. Natalino Marques Estanqueiro, who had it built in 2022 to fulfill a dream he had: to honor his father, João Violas, and his uncle, Manuel Violas, and their life story linked to the seaweed trade.

Manuel dos Santos Marques and João Marques Estanqueiro were brothers and known as Manuel Violas and João Violas. During the 1950s and 1960s, they were seaweed traders.

They were involved in shipping and had up to five moliceiro boats collecting and supplying them with seaweed from Murtosa and Torreira, which was transported by boat and delivered to Folsas Novas in Vagos.

They sold this seaweed to fertilize farmland, particularly in the southern part of the municipality of Vagos and in the municipalities of Cantanhede and Mira, using a truck to deliver the seaweed.

On Sundays, especially at the end of mass, they would collect payment for deliveries made and take more orders.

The nickname “Os Violas” comes from the fact that these brothers had a special taste for music, being self-taught, and because they usually held “farras” (parties) to cheer up the community. Ti Manuel Violas played the violin, Ti João Violas played the guitar.

The Moliceiro boat “Os Violas,” which is moored next to the Fareja Bridge, is already sailing along the Boco River!

During the trip, you will learn a little more about the history of the moliceiro boats in Vagos and their connection to the Boco River, and enjoy the landscape of high natural value, part of the Special Protection Area and Special Conservation Area of the Ria de Aveiro (Natura 2000 Network), getting to know the flora and fauna found here up close. Throughout the trip, you will learn more about some points of interest such as the Fareja Bridge and the Folsas Novas Pier.