Nazaré's widow costume - Portugal

Paula and Vitória's contribution to my elderlies collection. 

Âncora

These Nazaré ladies are wearing the mourning costume, they're fishermen widows. The mourning costume is Nazaré's least known as it is becoming rarer and rarer. It's all in black, no lace or embroidery, and the low skirts are gray. Currently only older women continue to wear this costume.

 

Forways, Lta

Wandering along the waterfront of Nazaré Beach, you’ll encounter picturesque lines of fish-drying racks basking in the open air. Fish drying in Nazaré is a remarkable trade mark of local identity. 

The origins of this tradition remain unknown, but this would be the best way to preserve food in times of scarcity. Drying fish was the way to feed their families and to have fish to sell in the regional markets.
The drying fish is usually guarded by a local senior in the traditional dress, in this case, a widow.