Cubres Islet

Category: Nature > Zoo

District: Açores > Calheta > Fajã dos Cubres

Location:

Fajã dos Cubres is located on the north coast of São Jorge Island, within the municipality of Calheta, in the parish area of Ribeira Seca. It is one of the many fajãs characteristic of this island, which are flat land platforms formed at the base of steep cliffs, by the sea.

The fajã is reached by a path that winds down the slope, offering sweeping views of the coastal landscape before revealing the village and the lagoon in the lower area.

Origin of the Name:

The particular name of this fajã, "Cubres", is associated with a plant that grows abundantly in the area. This plant, scientifically known as Solidago sempervirens L., is distinguished by its small yellow flowers.

Natural Environment and the Lagoon:

One of the most notable natural elements of Fajã dos Cubres is its lagoon, whose water is brackish and influenced by the tides. This dynamic contributes to the oxygenation of the waters.

The lagoon and the surrounding area have been classified as a Site of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention, highlighting its value as a wetland, particularly relevant for waterfowl.

Shrimp, often used as fishing bait, and small fish locally known as mujas, are found in the lagoon's waters. On the banks, vegetation includes rushes and pastures where cattle can graze.

Despite the presence of the lagoon, the fajã does not have permanent flow streams, depending on watercourses that only run during winter, after periods of intense rain in the mountains. For this reason, many houses have cisterns for water storage.

Traces of History and Local Life:

Fajã dos Cubres has a history of resilience against natural elements. The original settlement was destroyed by strong earthquakes in 1757 and, subsequently, in 1980. Despite these adversities, the community rebuilt and repopulated the fajã.

In the past, there was a primary school here, but it was closed due to a lack of students. Currently, local life largely revolves around agriculture; the lands, considered fertile, are cultivated with products such as corn, vines, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions. In winter, the fajã also serves as wintering grounds for cattle from higher areas of the island.

The fajã never had a seaport. Boats used for fishing were traditionally pulled onto the calhau, the pebble beach. Fishing was done from the rock or by boat, using rod and hook, and the most common fish caught include mullet, wrasse, anchovies, and blacktail combers.

Culture and Faith:

The cultural life of the fajã is closely linked to faith. The festival in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes, by which the fajã is also known, takes place on the second Sunday of September.

The Hermitage of Our Lady of Lourdes, blessed in 1908, houses an ancient image of Senhor dos Passos. Next to the hermitage, there is a low-tide well whose water is considered miraculous by many. It is a tradition, particularly for pilgrims, to drink this water or wash in it, associating it with healing or relief from tiredness.

Landscape and Characteristic Environment:

Fajã dos Cubres presents a unique landscape, marked by the contrast between the imposing green cliffs that flank it, the flat area by the sea, and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. The houses, rebuilt after the earthquakes, remain integrated into this environment.

The seafront is characterized by the calhau, an extensive mantle of pebbles that serves as a natural barrier against the force of the sea. The entire complex gives the fajã an atmosphere of isolation and tranquility.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt