Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Setúbal > Palmela > Pinhal Novo > Olhos de Água
The Danças e Cânticos de Olhos de Água Folk Group is located in the town of Olhos de Água, an integral part of Pinhal Novo, in the municipality of Palmela. Its headquarters are on a street named after the group itself, highlighting its importance and deep roots in the community. This area, with a strong connection to rural traditions, serves as a stage for the preservation and sharing of local cultural heritage.
Founded in 1983, the Danças e Cânticos de Olhos de Água Folk Group has as its primary mission to safeguard and disseminate the customs and traditions of its region. Through research and the performance of dances and songs, the group keeps alive the memory of past generations, conveying the spirit of the communities that once inhabited this area. Its work is a testament to local cultural identity and history.
The group's performances are an immersion into the musical traditions of the region. The repertoire consists of "modas", popular songs and dances, collected from the elders, which recall the sounds of the early 20th century. These songs and dances reflect the agricultural daily life of the time, from activities in plantations and grape harvests to lively dances and festivities. The group's ensemble uses traditional instruments such as the accordion, reco-reco, bilha, ferrinhos, and cana, which lend sonic authenticity to each performance. One can hear rhythms like "Valsa Marcada", "Chora ó Linda", "Moda do Pésinho", and "Dança da Estremadura", which illustrate the richness of local folklore.
A central element in the performances of the Danças e Cânticos de Olhos de Água Folk Group is its collection of costumes, carefully recreated to faithfully represent the attire of the region. It is possible to observe the distinction between the "Sunday best for festivities" attire, costumes of greater richness, and the simpler clothes of the "farmer" or the "campino", also including various work outfits. A highlight is a costume of the "Founder of the Círio dos Olhos de Água", dating back to 1854, symbolizing a deep connection to history. To complement this, some traditional field work tools are displayed, such as the threshing floor shovel, the flail, the whip, and the campino's pole, enriching the visual experience.
In addition to its participation in various events, the Danças e Cânticos de Olhos de Água Folk Group plays an active role in promoting folklore in Portugal. The group hosts an annual National Folklore Festival, which typically takes place in July. This event is a celebration of popular culture, attracting other folk groups and providing visitors with an excellent opportunity to witness the vitality and diversity of Portuguese traditions.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.6063221,-8.9391681
Coordinates DMS: 38°36'22.8"N 08°56'21.0"W
Weather Pinhal Novo
On-duty Pharmacy Pinhal Novo
