May Blind

Category: Civil Architecture > Memorial

District: Porto > Póvoa de Varzim > Póvoa de Varzim > Bairro Piscatório

Location

The story of José Rodrigues Maio, widely known as Cego do Maio, is intrinsically linked to the Fishing Quarter of Póvoa de Varzim. This area, which still maintains its strong maritime identity today, is the birthplace and setting for the feats that made him a legendary figure. Walking through the streets of this neighbourhood, along the coast of Póvoa de Varzim, one feels the deep connection to the sea that shaped the lives of generations of fishermen, including Cego do Maio.

The Man Behind the Name

Cego do Maio, whose name was José Rodrigues Maio, was a 19th-century fisherman from Póvoa who stood out for his remarkable courage at sea. Born in Póvoa de Varzim in 1817, this man of great physical stature was affectionately known as "Tio Maio" (Uncle Maio) in the fishing community. The nickname "Cego do Maio" (Blind Maio) has two popular origins: one suggests it was due to a particularity in his eyes; the other, more symbolic, associates it with his determination to rescue, throwing himself "blindly" into the sea to save lives, without hesitation, even in the most adverse conditions.

A Legacy of Courage

Cego do Maio's life was marked by acts of pure and selfless heroism. As a fisherman, he knew the sea of Póvoa de Varzim like the back of his hand, aware of its beauty but also its treacherous nature. In an era when there were no sheltered harbours or specialized rescue vessels, fishermen relied solely on their skill and the solidarity of their colleagues. Cego do Maio, driven by a deep sense of duty and humanity, did not conform to tragedy. Risking his own life and that of his sons, who accompanied him in his small boat, he saved nearly a hundred people from imminent shipwrecks. These acts were for him a fulfilment of a duty, without seeking thanks or honours.

Lasting Recognition

Cego do Maio's deeds gained notoriety and earned him recognition from the highest authorities. King D. Luís I himself decorated him with the State's highest distinction, the Collar of Knight of the Military Order of the Tower and Sword, of Valour, Loyalty and Merit, and the gold medal of the Royal Humanitarian Society of Porto. His humility was such that, according to oral tradition in Póvoa, he returned the King's gift with a handful of seashells. Besides the decorations, his bravery led him to be appointed patron of the first Póvoa lifeboat. His story, an example of dedication to others, was disseminated in schools and newspapers of the time, consolidating his image as a symbol of bravery and altruism that still resonates in Póvoa de Varzim today.

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