The history (and story) of the founding of a place we all love, called "Taberna do Claro", is lost in time. As the wine says, "the name alone is half the story"But from what memory serves, its owners were Pedro Bonito, who was succeeded by the family that still operates it today, now in its third generation, namely David Marques Claro, who was followed by his son António Dias Claro, and currently by his son-in-law Diamantino da Luz, who isn't "Claro" by name, but certainly is by heart. It can therefore be safely assumed that the Taberna has existed for over a century.
Historically, this establishment, one of the few in the region and today the only one in Vale do Peso, where there were once a dozen in full swing, was the place where rural workers would gather and socialise at the end of hard days working in the fields or, when the winters didn't allow it, spend some time socialising, drinking their copitos, playing pinochle, cards and even dominoes. The tavern was also the favourite place to listen to the telephone, with its exciting and frenetic football reports. Later, the television was given a place in most of the homes in our beautiful land.
At Taberna do Claro, Mr António Dias Claro, in addition to his work as a "Taberneiro", developed parallel trades and activities - repairing motorbikes, bicycles and watches. And here it is essential to acclaim an icon of yesteryear: the "Goat", as so many still remember it. A hire bike where many of the young Valpesenses of the time took their first rides... and broke the "tola" for the first time.
Mr Claro also had an activity of the utmost importance that was closely linked to his tavern: he was a sacristan. The role he held for many decades in the parish church included assisting the priest in all religious ceremonies, and he was responsible for ringing the bells at masses, funerals and other religious ceremonies (and in this case the protocol was strict: climbing the tower and ringing the church's two huge bells by hand). For this very reason, it was also to the Taberna that people went to ask for the key to the cemetery and to ask for "the signal" (ringing of the bell) when their loved ones died. For his devotion, António Claro was honoured by the people for 60 years of dedication to this noble cause.
In between, we should also mention someone who, no less than the others already mentioned (quite the opposite!), contributed to the greatness of this place: Mrs Maria das Dores. "ti Maria", as many affectionately call her, assisted her husband, Mr Claro, for decades in his work at the Taberna, having taken over as "Head Tavernkeeper" when Mr António Claro was unable to do so. For many years she was the guarantor of the house, with the close help of her family and friends, working hard and tirelessly in her beloved tavern.
Times have changed, so have the faces, but the values, the affection, the presence, the knowledge and the hospitality remain the same. Practices have been updated over time and it's now very common to see ladies, both young and old, at Taberna do Claro. From socialising to drinks, there are minis, some fadistices and there's still time for a few antics.
Mr Diamantino Luz (known to some as Diamantino Viz... , oopsHe has a cheerful face, a happy spirit and is always, always ready to help his neighbour. He's not a sacristan, but he helps the priest with his accounting skills; he's not a watchmaker, nor does he repair bicycles, but he honestly and simply helps all those who come to him with the bureaucratic difficulties of today's world. He has the spirit of a tavern keeper in his heart and soul, a job he took on with honour and commitment. In the not-too-distant past, he used to take turns, especially during his lunch breaks, with Mr Agostinho Ventura da Silva - who was also a tavern keeper. voisin long-time, dear friend and good-hearted man.
As you can see, the modest Taberna do Claro is a multifaceted place, much more than a café, it's a place that everyone loves, with a charisma all of its own. Its clientele, who come from the most diverse places, whether from our Vale do Peso, from our municipality, from all parts of the country and even across borders, never miss a chance to visit. Whether it's to have a drink, taste the famous abafadinho, enjoy a snack from Mrs Manuela, or just to say hello to Mr Diamantino, this is a warm and special place.
There's so much more to say and remember about Taberna do Claro, but instead we'll leave you with the challenge and suggest a visit... and that you bring a family member or a friend, because here... here you're always well received and you can even enjoy a delicious meal. Franciscan sour cherry!
By Diamantino Luz
