Vida Cruel dos Bóia-Fria (1984)

A Day in the Life of a Family of Cane Cutters

Early Morning Preparations

• The day begins at around 3 AM for Dona Maria, who prepares food for her husband and three daughters before they head out to work.

• The family has been involved in cane cutting for over 20 years; the father, Seu Jonas, now has back problems and manages a small orchard instead.

• The early morning is marked by the sounds of trucks transporting workers to the fields, highlighting the intense labor environment.

Work Conditions and Challenges

• Workers discuss their earnings based on cane harvested; four tons can yield significant money but reflects the hard labor involved.

• Dona Rita, another worker at 74 years old, prepares meals while hoping for work opportunities despite health issues.

• Competition for jobs is fierce; only limited positions are available each day, leading to uncertainty among workers.

Daily Struggles and Aspirations

• Many women like Dona Rita face challenges securing work as they wait at designated points for transportation to farms.

• Despite efforts to find employment through local initiatives, many still return home empty-handed after long waits.

The Life of Dona Guiomar: A Cane Cutter's Routine

Morning Ritual

• At 50 years old, Dona Guiomar starts her day preparing food for herself and two other female workers living with her.

• She packs five lunch boxes but acknowledges that not every day provides enough food due to financial constraints.

Journey to Work

• The commute involves traveling in crowded trucks filled with over 60 workers heading towards sugarcane fields.

• Upon arrival at the plantation, workers prepare their tools and gear up for a demanding day ahead.

Work Dynamics

• As work begins around 7:20 AM, efficiency is key; sharp tools make it easier to cut cane quickly.

• After several hours of continuous cutting without breaks, Dona Guiomar finally takes time off around noon to eat her packed meal.

Reflections on Labor and Life

Personal Stories from Workers

• Benedito Sérgio shares his experience working since age 11; he supports his family through cane cutting despite missing educational opportunities.

End of Day Realities

• By late afternoon, after extensive labor throughout the week (Monday-Saturday), many express feelings of exhaustion yet continue working out of necessity.

• Conversations reveal deep-seated frustrations about life’s struggles but also an enduring hope amidst challenging circumstances.