Celebrate the marking of Trap Berth Day at the Punt Premises with live music, tasty treats, and a special signal at noon.

Trap Berth Day is an important annual event on Fogo Island. Historically, fishers would drop markers for cod trap fishing berths every year on June 1. The island was shaped by the Northern Atlantic cod fishery. It provided sustenance, but also cemented Fogo Island’s place in the world through trade. Our fish was often enjoyed on dinner tables around the world, from Spain to Jamaica.

On Fogo Island, June 1 was always a day of cheerful anticipation, as it was recognized as the start of the fishing season. Fishing crews boarded their small wooden boats and set out to sea in search of the fishing grounds they would use for the season. At 12 PM sharp, a signal would be sent from the land; a raised flag or gunshot would initiate the setting of the markers which staked fishers’ claims to their fishing grounds. An overall feeling of hope always followed.

Join us as we commemorate this long-standing tradition on Fogo Island.