This project explores my family’s roots in northern Portugal and the reasons why my parents left their villages.
In the 1970s, my parents moved to Switzerland to find work and a better future. Like many others, they left their home country hoping for more opportunities.
When my brother and I were born, Switzerland became their home. They built a new life there, faced challenges, and made sacrifices so we could have a better future.
My ancestors come from small rural villages in northern Portugal, where life is closely connected to the land. These villages are quiet and isolated, and daily life has always been hard. For generations, my family lived in poor farming communities, surviving through agriculture and traditional knowledge passed down over time.
The traditions of these rural communities shaped my family’s values, especially their strong connection to the land and to each other. Life followed the seasons, with farming, caring for animals, and simple daily routines. Even during hard times, people supported one another and shared a strong sense of community.
Life in these villages was simple, but it showed the strength and resilience of the people. It reminds us of a deep heritage and a time when life was harder, but deeply meaningful.
I often imagine what my life would be like if my parents had never left their village in northern Portugal. I would have grown up with a simple life, closely connected to the land and the community.
My days would have followed the rhythm of nature, with farming, animals, and village life. Everyone would know each other, and family and neighbors would help one another. Life would have been hard, but full of shared moments and traditions.
I might have learned more from the land and from older generations than from school. Without many modern comforts, I would have felt a stronger connection to nature and to my roots.