THE STORY OF "SALTO": HOW THE PORTUGUESE EMIGRATION OF THE 1960s BUILT MODERN FRANCE

In the 1960s and early 1970s, thousands of Portuguese people made one of the most difficult decisions of their lives: leaving everything behind and taking the "Leap" in search of a better future, escaping poverty and dictatorship! 

Today we remember this exciting chapter in our history that united Portugal and France forever! 

1. THE CONTEXT: WHY LEAVE PORTUGAL? 

To understand the "Leap", it is necessary to look at the reality of Portugal at that time: 

Salazar's Dictatorship: Since 1932, Portugal had lived under the authoritarian regime of the Estado Novo, without freedom of expression or opportunities for progress. 

Misery in the Countryside: In rural areas and villages, the work was hard, the poverty was extreme and the wages were miserable. There was a lack of essential goods and prospects for the future. 

The Colonial Wars: With the start of conflicts in Africa, young people faced almost 4 years of mandatory military service in a bloody war. Escaping from the troops has become a matter of survival for many. 

No Passport: Obtaining a legal passport was almost impossible for the average citizen. 
The only alternative was to leave clandestinely! The Passenger: The ticket required paying a "passador" with all of the family's savings. 

2. THE GREAT VACANCY & THE "LEAP" (1962-1974) 

Between 1962 and 1974, there was the largest wave of migration in the country's history: The Numbers: In 1962, around 50,000 Portuguese lived in France. By 1975, that number had skyrocketed to almost 760,000! 

Crossing on Foot: The term "Salto" was due to the fact that border crossings were made clandestinely. The emigrants crossed Spain and crossed the Pyrenees mountain range on foot, facing the harsh cold, extreme tiredness and the danger of being caught by the authorities! 
 The Carton Valise: Accompanying each emigrant was only the essentials: the famous and symbolic cardboard suitcase, full of memories, some clothes and a lot of hope! 

3. THE SECRET OF THE DECHARMED PHOTO (PROOF OF THE PASSAGE) 

Did you know about this incredible curiosity? Before leaving, the emigrant tore an identification photograph in half: One half stayed with him. The other half stayed with the family in Portugal. Upon arriving safely in France, he sent his half back by post. 

When the two halves fit perfectly in the country, the family was sure that he had arrived safely — and only then did the walker receive the rest of the payment! 

4. ARRIVAL AND LIFE IN FRANCE. 

Arriving in France brought relief, but also enormous challenges: 

Gare d'Austerlitz: It was the arrival point in Paris. Thousands of Portuguese people got off the trains at this emblematic station with their cardboard suitcases in hand. 

The Hard Work: Men were the driving force in civil construction and public works (BTP), erecting buildings, bridges and roads throughout France. Women worked tirelessly in cleaning, domestic services or in the concierge of Parisian buildings. 

Slums (Bidonvilles): The lack of housing led thousands of families to live in the famous Bidonville of Champigny-sur-Marne, on the outskirts of Paris. They were wooden and zinc shacks, without running water or electricity, where mud prevailed in winter. 

Paperwork and Regrouping: Over time, the French government (in need of labor) ended up regularizing the documentation. Families were finally able to reunite with their fathers and husbands! 

A MIGRATION THAT BUILD MODERN FRANCE 

Despite all the trials, the Portuguese community demonstrated unparalleled resilience and workforce! 

With their sweat and dedication, the Portuguese not only helped to build France's modern infrastructure, they also created deep roots, integrating perfectly and always keeping their pride for their homeland alive! 

And in your family? Did anyone make the "Leap" in the 60s or 70s?