The primary school in Sarnadas no longer echoes with the voices of children.
Restored, it now houses the Casa do Esparto, where four retired women have revived the ancient craft of working with esparto grass—a hardy plant from the Algarve’s barrocal.
Using two traditional techniques, braiding and plaiting, these artisans weave intricate, one-of-a-kind pieces, keeping alive a skill passed down through generations.
Thanks to Elsa’s vision and the dedication of Aldegundes, Fernanda, Manuela, and Maria José, the art of esparto weaving has not been lost. “It has been worth it,” they say. And the next step? “Teaching others.”
