I spoke to Michelle, the founder of I Love Paul do Mar.
Her family roots are in Madeira: her mother comes from Paul do Mar, her father from Câmara de Lobos. Both emigrated to Ecuador as teenagers and first met there. Michelle was born in Ecuador and returned to Portugal at the age of 19. Today, her passion project connects people all over the world with her homeland - with the active support of her husband Davis, whose role in the project you can find out more about in the interview.
How did the idea for
"I Love Paul do Mar" come about?
This idea arose from our own need to be close to Paul do Mar, even if we are far away. We thought that our emigrants feel the same way – that they also feel this longing. With this project, we wanted to help them alleviate their homesickness for their homeland – for the place where they were born and which they had to leave. Our aim is also to promote our community and to carry the name of our Paul out into the world.
What inspired you to launch this initiative - especially in terms of preserving tradition and building community?
Above all, I was inspired by the deep connection with Paul do Mar. It is the land of my ancestors, and I wanted to preserve and pass on this connection – to celebrate, preserve and pass on our culture and traditions.
When did you start and what were the first steps?
We started on May 14, 2021. The first step was to create a page on a social network to share photos from Paul do Mar.
What motivates you personally to continue the project?
I am motivated by the desire to keep our traditions alive and, above all, to create a link for our emigrants – a channel of communication between Paul do Mar and them.
What is the mission of "I Love Paul do Mar" - for the local community and the foreign sports giants?
Our mission is to preserve our identity, celebrate the love for our place and connect those who carry this place in their hearts. We want the soul of Paul do Mar to never fade – an emotional and cultural bond for our emigrants.
How important is the connection to the emigrants - e.g. to South Africa, America, Australia?
This connection is very important. We see ourselves as emotional ambassadors – we build bridges to our community and help to alleviate the longing for home a little.
How are you working to keep the traditions alive?
We preserve stories and memories by recording them, promoting local festivals and events and sharing them through photos, videos and texts on our social media. We showcase traditional phrases, dishes and customs – and promote intergenerational exchange. We also include modern elements such as music, art and new traditions as long as they preserve our essence. This desire to make the connection with Paul do Mar tangible also gave rise to the idea for our products – T-shirts, hoodies, key rings and pens – which make the identity of our place visible.
Who designs the products and is there symbolism behind them?
My husband Davis develops all the products. And yes – there is a meaning behind each one: the colors often stand for the sea, the sun, the sunset, the boat or the man from the sea.
How have people reacted to the products locally and abroad?
Very positive – the response has been good. People who wear our products have the feeling that they are carrying a piece of Paul do Mar with them.
Do you work together with local artists, companies or initiatives?
Yes, we support and promote folk festivals, processions and cultural events with photo coverage. We promote local artists and musicians and cooperate with restaurants, cafés, accommodation and small businesses.
How do you see the connection to newcomers in the community - for example through yoga offers or other activities?
We are a bridge – between the long-established residents and the newcomers. We are open to cooperation in order to promote new offers – e.g. yoga or other community activities.
What does Paul do Mar mean to you personally?
Paul is more than a place – it’s a feeling. This is where I am connected to my roots.
Would you like to send a message to anyone who is longing for Paul do Mar or thinking of returning?
For all those who are far away and cannot visit Paul do Mar for various reasons: We will continue to be a connecting channel. And for all those who would like to return: You are very welcome – because there is no place like it.
What is your favorite place in Paul do Mar?
Without a doubt: the beach – and preferably in the evening when the sun goes down. For me, this is the most magical moment of the day – and the most beautiful sunset on the island.
Where can I buy your products?
Our products are currently available at two locations in Paul do Mar: at the office of the Junta de Freguesia do Paul do Mar and in the fish restaurant Sabor e Mar. There, interested parties can purchase T-shirts, hoodies, key rings and more – and take a piece of Paul do Mar home with them.
I Love Paul do Mar is more than just a project – it is a living bond between past and present, between home and far away. It reminds us how important it is to honor our roots and keep our culture alive – no matter where we are in the world. Click here for the Instagram profile: I Love Paul do Mar
This post is also available in: German
