Emílio Silva, aged 56, a volunteer firefighter and postal worker in Ponte de Lima, was one of the driving forces, about 15 years ago, of the tradition of the Volunteer Firefighters of Ponte de Lima carrying the platform of Our Lady of Sorrows in the Feiras Novas procession. Of the members who initiated this tradition, only three remain: himself, Armindo Lima, and Zé Vieira. The proposal was made to the then parish priest José Gomes de Sousa, who accepted gladly, and since then six firefighters usually ensure the entire route.
Emílio Silva's connection to the Feiras Novas began in childhood, when he came on foot from Arcozelo with his parents to watch the procession. Years later, he joined the Limian corporation at age 16, first in the fanfare, and it was among the firefighters that the idea of assuming the transport of the platform was born.
Carrying the platform is, for Emílio, much more than a physical effort. "Besides all that, there is the emotion and adrenaline that abstracts us from the effort and pain that we may have," he stated, guaranteeing that, despite the sore shoulders the next day, it seems that one doesn't perceive the distance of the route. The firefighter now hopes that the younger ones will maintain the tradition.
The presence of firefighters at the Feiras Novas is not limited to the procession. During the pilgrimage, the active corps reinforces the rescue device, with teams at the fire station and in the venue. Emílio also participates in prevention work, reconciling his functions in the corporation with the profession of postal worker at CTT.
