Escola básica e secundária Diogo Bernardes

Escola Básica e Secundária Diogo BernardesClass: 8º BPonte da Barca - Portugal

We are going to talk about one of our traditions:

the folk dance (dança folclórica minhota).

In Ponte da Barca there are some groups that show their dances, their songs and their customs. They integrate different generations, different ages.

We have different dances for each group, but the most famous in our region is the “vira”. The “vira” is danced in pairs, a man with a woman, at the sound of lots of different instruments.

One of the most used and known is the “concertina”, a kind of accordion.

One of the principal characteristics of folk groups is the clothes. In general, the female costume is composed of many skirts, an apron, a linen shirt, a vest, various types of colorful scarves over which women wear gold necklaces. On their feet women put on ‘’socos’’ (wooden slippers).

The men use black or white trousers, normally white embroidered linen shirt, a black vest and a sash around the waist. On their feet men wear black shoes.

The groups use traditional and lively music: the folk music.

In Portugal these folk dance groups are called ‘’Ranchos Folclóricos’’.

Our town, Ponte da Barca has many “ranchos” for example:- Rancho Folclórico e Etnográfico de Ponte da Barca; - Rancho Folclórico e Etnográfico de Entre-Ambos-Rios;- Rancho Folclórico das Lavradeiras de OleirosThere are many other folk dance groups.

To end this powerpoint about one of our very best traditions we are going to show you ashort film that shows how to dance the most traditional dance in Minho, the “Vira”.

We hope you will enjoy it!