The Puxada de Rede is undoubtedly one of the most important folkloric manifestations in the state of Bahia. It takes place between the months of October and April, on the beaches of Armação, Chega Nego and Carimbamba.
At this time, fish look for the warm and shallow waters of the northeastern coast.
According to legend, the Puxada de Rede, means the fishing of the xaréu. A dark meat and very tasty fish, which appears at this time of year.
Fishing is done on the edge of the sea, with a very large net.
Fishermen take an average of five months to make it and use approximately 1,000 meters of rope. The gigantic net needs 63 men, 1 chief, 1 land master, 1 sea master, 20 scavengers, 20 sea men and 20 land men to handle it.
This net is placed in the sea using a raft, attached to the moorings. As the net is pulled, some chants are repeated and a stamping of feet sets the pace to synchronize the work. These simple chants were the same ones repeated by the black ancestors, saluting their homeland “Aruanda”. To thank the good fishing they salute the queen of the sea in the form of a song.
THE LEGEND OF THE NET PULL
Legend has it that on a full moon night, a fisherman goes out to sea. Although his wife warns him of the dangers of fishing at night and asks him not to go, he says goodbye to her and leaves anyway, leaving his family very worried. Carry on your boat, the image of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, the divine blessing and your fishing companions. He leaves and leaves his wife by the beach awaiting his return. To her surprise, the boat returns early bringing the very sad fishermen for having lost a fishing partner, her husband. When disembarking, the fishermen report that, through carelessness, their husband falls into the sea and it was not possible to find him, as it was very dark. In the morning, despite the sadness, the fishermen pull the net and find the fisherman’s body. Because they lived in a very humble way, it was not possible to buy a coffin for the burial. So his fishing companions followed in procession, carrying his body on their backs.
