Arte Xávega da Praia da Tocha

Arte-Xávega, a traditional fishing also known as fishing "drag", is still a reality in the Beach of Tocha. The Arte-Xávega dates from the nineteenth century, time when fishermen go out by boat to launch their fishnets into the sea.The fishnets measured about 300 meters, reaching in some cases 600 (in the four paddle boats). The fishnets were made of linen, which made them heavier, requiring many people to transport them to the boat, and particularly pulling them to earth. The Xávega demanded a great collective effort.Returning from the labor, the fishnets were removed from the sea to the coast, with the help of yoke of oxen, as well as a multitude of men and women who collaborated in this difficult task of pulling the fishnet across the sand and removing from it all the fish.