Change and water in southern Portugal: the alqueva dam and the village of light

Abstract

The project for the construction of a mega-dam, in an extremely dry area of Southern Portugal had its beginnings in the 50s, under the Salazar regime. It was only after decades of advances and delays that its construction finally took place. The huge lake flooded an area which included the Village of Luz, that therefore had to be entirely moved into another location. The closing of the flood-gates took place in february 2002; that year the population was transferred, and in 2003 the old Luz was completely demolished. Nowadays, one goes by boat over the site where the old village once existed. This text provides the general context in which the Alqueva project was developed and a general description of the social climate surrounding the process. It also gives a summary of the main events and experiences during the dislocation period and the initial adaptation to a new territory and a new life situation.