An unusual scene was found this Sunday at the fenced-off access to the Praia da Canavieira footpath, in the parish of Caniço. Passers-by found a dead black chicken attached to the gate, a cross leaning against the structure, and white powder scattered on the ground.
The macabre scenario, interpreted as an alleged witchcraft ritual, has left passers-by in shock. The site in question has been at the centre of protests for years by residents who demand the reopening of public access to the beach, having already held demonstrations at the site.
Recently, following a demonstration by residents, the mayor of Santa Cruz, Élia Ascensão, stated that “the opening of the beach will always depend on the major intervention that will aim to guarantee safe access,” arguing that it would be “irresponsible to open the space now as it is, as it would also be irresponsible to put the intervention as a priority to the detriment of other projects.”
In an anthropic sense, the dead chicken, cross, and salt can be traced back to Iberian traditions, where a chicken (as they are relatively inexpensive), often black, symbolises a protective offering. Accompanied by the laying of salt, it would be used to avert evil. The use of the cross in its upright sense can also be interpreted as a sign of protection. Access to the beach is dangerous, and perhaps the person (people) who did this wanted to draw attention to their plight, and claims of witchcraft would certainly increase media attention to the situation.
The problem is that with many beach areas being swamped by tourism, many Madeirans simply wish to have a beach they can access easily and keep a little bit to themselves. It really is a simple human right that residents be allowed to enjoy their homeland without the pressures of over-tourism.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
