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On 16 October we celebrated World Bread Day at Ferneto in a very special way, with a special tribute to the Bread of Vale de Ílhavo and its own people: all the bakers who dedicate themselves to this art, with the presence of Ti Francelina – former baker of Vale de Ílhavo, who was a central figure of the day.
For those who don’t know, Vale de Ílhavo bread is an ex-libris of the Aveiro region, reflecting the authenticity and character of a community that makes bread its identity.
Produced with slowly fermented dough and baked in a wood-fired oven, Pão de Vale de Ílhavo stands out for its rustic flavour and unique texture that only artisanal know-how can provide. It is a true testament to the region’s cultural and gastronomic heritage, which, for us, has been given added significance by the fact that Aveiro is Capital of Culture 2024.
Traditionally from the town of Vale de Ílhavo, in the municipality of Ílhavo, this bread now has seven daily producers. In the past, there were more than 50 bakers, but over time the number of producers has dwindled. However, demand for the bread remains high, challenging the producers to maintain quality and tradition, while looking to the future with innovation and resilience.
An interesting fact is that, historically and to date, it is mainly women who have played a leading role.
In each of the active bakeries, the bread tells a unique story, moulded by the hands of those who produced it and the memories passed down through generations. The irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread and the sincere smiles of those who produce it, even after an early morning of hard work, give this food an even more special character.
At Ferneto, together with our teams, we celebrated this date with Bread from Vale de Ílhavo, supplied by local bakeries. A simple gesture, but one with real meaning, which reinforces our commitment to valuing traditions and supporting our community’s producers.
The highlight of the day was the tribute to Ti Francelina, in an initiative launched by the Mais Feliz Association, which is part of the valorisation and recognition of former professionals, bakers and pastry chefs who dedicated a lot of time to our sector.
First thing in the morning, Ti Francelina was surprised by the visit to Ferneto and, amid smiles and shared memories, she returned to kneading bread in our bakish centre, reliving moments from her journey as a baker. At this reunion, attended by Ti Francelina’s family and friends, we remembered the importance of honouring those who, through hard work and sacrifice, perpetuate the legacy of bread.
World Bread Day 2024 at Ferneto was much more than a celebration: it was a tribute to history, to people and to the spirit of unity that bread symbolises. May this date continue to inspire sharing and recognise the value of bread – an essential food and a universal bond between peoples.
