Manuel António de Castro Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Beja > Cuba > Cuba > Centro

Location

Manuel António de Castro Park is located in the center of the village of Cuba, in the municipality of the same name, in Alentejo. Its position on the Circumvallation Road grants it a central and accessible location, integrating into the urban landscape and offering a point of reference for the local community and for those visiting the village.

Homage to a Popular Poet

The park's name is a tribute to Manuel António de Castro (1885-1972), an emblematic figure from the village of Cuba. Recognized as a popular poet, trade unionist, and rural worker, he stood out for his remarkable sensitivity. His stanzas and decimas, imbued with deep lyricism and a keen eye on the condition of the field worker, as well as the morality of rural society, made him a respected and beloved voice. In his memory, and in recognition of his cultural importance, the park was named in 2001 and houses a bust of the poet, authored by A. Pacheco and inaugurated in 2007.

A Space with History

Throughout its existence, this green space has gone through various phases, being known by different names before its current designation. Among its previous denominations, which reflect distinct moments and tributes in local history, are "A Mata", a common reference to its wooded area, as well as "Jardim dos Heróis de Goa, Damão e Diu" and "Parque Adriano Correia de Oliveira". This succession of names highlights the park's importance and adaptability in the collective memory of the village of Cuba.

Structure and Leisure

Manuel António de Castro Park is a multifunctional space, designed for socializing and practicing various outdoor activities. Inside, one can find a traditional bandstand, a stage for cultural and musical events, a children's playground that invites play, and tennis courts for sports practice. The park also has a picnic area, ideal for leisure moments and outdoor meals, and an enclosure used for holding exhibitions, contributing to the social and cultural dynamics of the locality.

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