Catarina Eufémia

Category: Civil Architecture > Memorial

District: Beja > Beja > Baleizão > Monte do Olival

Location

The place associated with Catarina Eufémia is located in Monte do Olival, a rural area in the locality of Baleizão, integrated into the municipality of Beja. This area, characteristic of the Lower Alentejo, is marked by vast fields and a soft, luminous landscape, reflecting the identity of this region. Its position in Baleizão allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rural environment where the events that immortalized Catarina Eufémia unfolded.

Symbol of Resistance

Catarina Efigénia Sabino Eufémia, born in Baleizão in 1928, was a rural worker who became an enduring symbol of resistance. In May 1954, at just 26 years old, illiterate and a mother of three children, Catarina became involved in a strike by rural wage earners demanding better conditions and wages. Her assassination, which occurred at Monte do Olival during that demonstration, with one of her children in her arms, deeply marked the history of Alentejo and Portugal, transforming her into an icon of the struggle for rights and against oppression. Her memory represents the courage of those who opposed the dictatorship, particularly the brutality of the Estado Novo.

The Place of Memory

At Monte do Olival, the exact site of the tragic incident, a monument stands to evoke her memory. This structure, which incorporates the shape of a scythe, symbolizes agricultural work and the struggle of rural workers. It is a space for profound reflection, paying homage not only to Catarina Eufémia but also to all who resisted during times of dictatorship. Annually, on May 19th, this location hosts initiatives that commemorate her death and its significance in the history of freedom and social justice in Portugal.

Cultural Legacy

Catarina Eufémia's story transcended the event itself. Her figure inspired various artists, writers, and musicians, who immortalized her in poems and songs, ensuring that her name and sacrifice remained alive in collective memory. Personalities such as Sophia de Mello Breyner, José Afonso, and Carlos Paredes dedicated works to her, reinforcing her importance in the Portuguese cultural and historical landscape. This cultural legacy enhances a visit to Monte do Olival for those seeking to understand the depth of her impact and the meaning of her resistance.

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