José dos Santos Ferreira

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Oeiras > Tapada do Mocho

Location

The tribute to José dos Santos Ferreira is located in Oeiras, within the vast Parque dos Poetas (Poets' Park), in the area known as Tapada do Mocho. This urban park, which extends over a significant area, occupies a privileged position. Situated on a plateau, with terrain that slopes down towards the riverside area, it offers visitors panoramic views of the Tagus River estuary and the vast Atlantic Ocean, particularly stunning from points like Alto do Puxa Feixe.

It is a space designed for quiet enjoyment, where the presence of art and the natural beauty of the environment invite a relaxing and contemplative stroll. Access to the site is intuitive, given its integration into the urban fabric of Oeiras.

The Macanese Poet

José dos Santos Ferreira, better known by his nickname "Adé", was a central figure in Macanese culture, born in 1919. His life was dedicated to poetry and, notably, to the defense and valorization of "patuá macaense", a creole language with strong roots in the Portuguese language. This dialect, also known as "papiaçam cristã", is a testament to Macau's multifaceted history, incorporating influences from Malay, Spanish, Canarim (from Goa), and, later, Cantonese Chinese.

Patuá served as an essential linguistic bridge between Portuguese navigators and the local population, appreciated for its functionality and grammatical simplicity. Adé left an extensive legacy of poems, plays, and operettas, all written in Patuá, playing a crucial role in preserving this unique language, which is now on the verge of extinction. His remarkable cultural contribution earned him recognition, having been awarded the Order of Prince Henry and the Medal of Cultural Merit.

The Sculpture Honors the Legacy

In the Parque dos Poetas, the life and work of José dos Santos Ferreira are perpetuated through a sculpture dedicated to his memory. This artistic piece is part of a larger collection of sculptural tributes to various personalities who have marked Portuguese poetry.

The sculpture, designed by artist Carlos Marreiros, invites visitors to reflect on Adé's journey and his role in safeguarding Macau's linguistic and cultural identity. It is a point of interest that materializes the connection between visual arts and literature, celebrating the richness and diversity of the Portuguese language in its various expressions around the world.

A Space for Cultural Reflection

The location where the tribute to José dos Santos Ferreira is found is integrated into the overall concept of the Parque dos Poetas. This landscape and cultural project was conceived to be a space of tribute to Portuguese poetry and visual arts, encompassing authors from different eras and styles.

The park's design, with its sculptures harmoniously integrated into landscaped environments and pedestrian paths, creates a conducive setting for contemplation and deepening knowledge about Portuguese literary and artistic heritage. The presence of Adé's sculpture in this context reinforces the universal character of the Portuguese language and culture, inviting a moment of appreciation and valorization of the legacy left by figures such as José dos Santos Ferreira.

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