The Regional Directorate for Culture, through the Pico Museum, promotes an information and awareness-raising session under the title "Diving in underwater archaeology" that will take place at the Whaling Museum in Lajes do Pico next Tuesday, August 29, at 9:30 PM.
Guided by archaeologists José Luís Neto and Pedro Parreira, the initiative aims to disseminate and protect the underwater heritage of the Azores and, in particular, of Pico Island.
Although there are several documented shipwrecks off the island of Pico, the figures are estimated to be higher. In this regard, we must take into consideration the number of vessels that have sunk in this area over the centuries without record.
The underwater heritage of these archaeological sites is of significant importance to the tell the history of the island, its ancestors and of those who passed by it and left a memory of their presence.
The connection between the inhabitants of Pico Island and the sea has always been of great importance to the survival of their communities. It remains so until today through those engaged in fishing, diving, underwater hunting or other activities related to the observation of cetaceans.
Therefore, preserving the sea and the archaeological heritage it contains is of higher interest to all those who wish to know more about the history of the island and, through this history, build new bridges for the present and for the future under the economic development of its society.
The Regional Directorate for Culture informs that this and other events may be consulted in the Cultural Agenda of CulturAçores Portal at the following address: www.culturacores.azores.gov.pt.