A traditional Algarve shoe once associated with the region’s fishing and rural communities will take centre stage in a new certified training course in Loulé.
Loulé Criativo, in partnership with crafts and heritage training centre CEARTE, is offering a 50-hour course in the handmade production of the sapato de ourelo between October 29 and November 21.
Led by master shoemaker Fernando Gonçalves, the course aims to pass on a craft which organisers fear could disappear as experienced artisans become fewer and younger generations fail to take their place.
The sapato de ourelo is made from strips of fabric woven directly around a wooden shoe last, combining traditional shoemaking and weaving techniques.
Over the course, participants will learn every stage of production, from preparing the materials and wooden last through to weaving, assembly, attaching the sole and adding the final finishes.
But the initiative is about more than recreating a traditional piece of footwear, organisers say.
Loulé Criativo hopes the training will introduce new audiences to handmade shoemaking while encouraging fresh approaches that combine tradition, creativity and innovation.
The course forms part of the municipal programme’s wider efforts to safeguard and promote traditional crafts and ensure that practical knowledge passed down through generations is not lost.
Training is free and certified and is open to anyone aged 18 or over, whether employed or unemployed.
Sessions will take place at Palácio Gama Lobo in Loulé, outside normal working hours: Thursdays and Fridays from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 6pm.
The course runs from October 29 to November 21.
Information and registrations are available by email at [email protected].
Michael Bruxo
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.