The Cap Magellan initiative, “Sécur’Été 2025 — Verão em Portugal,” established in 2003, has become a prominent campaign at the principal entry point for Portuguese emigrants returning for the summer holidays. The campaign, organized by the leading association of young Portuguese descendants in France, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of fatigue, speeding, and long-distance driving from countries such as Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, and France.
Additionally, the initiative addresses young Portuguese descendants, highlighting the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
There is also an emotional aspect to arriving in Portugal. “We have a special affection for this initiative. Their smiles as we welcome them to Portugal, to our country, are rewarding,” stated Lurdes Abreu, president of Cap Magellan.
Abreu emphasized that the campaign remains relevant, guided by the motto: “We’re here to relive and cherish memories of our country, not to endanger ourselves or others traveling with us.” She noted that road accidents frequently occur during migrant journeys, often due to neglecting the risks of fatigue, which, compounded by other factors, could lead to disasters. “It only takes a second,” she warned.
The event at the Vilar Formoso border, in the municipality of Almeida, district of Guarda, included the presence of the Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities, Emídio Sousa, along with members of the GNR and Cap Magellan.
“I am here to welcome [the emigrants], to wish them a pleasant return and, above all, good holidays. We are in what we affectionately call the ‘dear month of August,’ which marks the return of thousands, if not millions, of emigrants to Portugal, and we want them to feel well-received,” Sousa mentioned.
The Secretary of State interacted with several drivers, inquiring about their origins and destinations. He sought to understand if their trips went smoothly and whether they took rest breaks along the way.
“The aim is to convey a message of caution, as many have been on the road for 14 or 15 consecutive hours and are tired. Often, there’s an eagerness to reach home during these final kilometers, which can lead to overexertion and potential complications,” Sousa cautioned.
Having served as mayor of Santa Maria da Feira for 11 years, the now Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities encountered several compatriots returning to their homeland, with one recognizing him. “It’s always nice to reconnect with people who know us,” he said.
Authorities anticipated this weekend to be the first peak of entries for emigrants and Portuguese descendants into Portugal by land. Following the connection of the A25 motorway to the Spanish A62 in December 2021, traffic at the Vilar Formoso border has decreased from previous years, when queues stretched for kilometers. Nonetheless, around 4,000 vehicles are expected to pass daily this weekend.
The “Sécur’Été 2025 — Verão em Portugal” campaign will resume on August 2 at the Vilar Formoso border, the first service area on the A25 towards Spain-Guarda, and at the borders of Chaves (A24, Easytoll) and Valença.
