Waves of Change: Shaping local identity in Nazaré

Traditionally Nazaré, Portugal, is a fisherman village, but, particularly after Garrett McNamara surfed the world record's biggest wave in 2011, it suddenly became a well known big wave surfing hotspot. This transformation led to an increase of tourism which impacted the town in multiple ways. Where the traditional fishing culture first was the most prominent feature of the town, now it’s surfing. This shift in focus brought both tensions and new opportunities, particularly in how residents relate to the sea. The tensions include overcrowding, inflation, shifting municipal priorities and tourists' lack of awareness and interest in Nazaré’s maritime heritage. At the same time, tourism has brought economic growth and global recognition. Despite this shift, the sea remains central to Nazaré’s identity, culturally and emotionally. This research examines how the relationship between the sea and the residents of Nazaré evolved over time and how it continues to shape local identity. It...Show moreTraditionally Nazaré, Portugal, is a fisherman village, but, particularly after Garrett McNamara surfed the world record's biggest wave in 2011, it suddenly became a well known big wave surfing hotspot. This transformation led to an increase of tourism which impacted the town in multiple ways. Where the traditional fishing culture first was the most prominent feature of the town, now it’s surfing. This shift in focus brought both tensions and new opportunities, particularly in how residents relate to the sea. The tensions include overcrowding, inflation, shifting municipal priorities and tourists' lack of awareness and interest in Nazaré’s maritime heritage. At the same time, tourism has brought economic growth and global recognition. Despite this shift, the sea remains central to Nazaré’s identity, culturally and emotionally. This research examines how the relationship between the sea and the residents of Nazaré evolved over time and how it continues to shape local identity. It explores how this connection is expressed and embodied, both in the past and still in daily life. This study consists of an article and an audiovisual component. The audiovisual component focuses on the personal experiences of the locals and their embodied and emotional relationships with the sea. The additional written component connects these personal narratives to broader themes such as cultural identity, tourism and traditions. To collect data, I used semi-structured interviews, participant observation and ethnographic filmmaking. Through a focus on embodiment and everyday experience, the project reveals how the sea remains a powerful force in shaping both continuity and change in Nazaré’s local identity. By exploring this shift, the research contributes to broader discussions on how tourism and global visibility reshape local identities and local traditions.Show less

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Waves of Change: Shaping local identity in Nazaré