Who is Chocalheiro from Bemposta?

The Chocalheiro from Bemposta, in the Miranda do Douro, is a masked and costumed figure central to the winter masquerade traditions of Trás-os-Montes. The term “chocalheiro” comes from chocalho, meaning bell, reflecting one of the defining features of this character: he wears numerous large cowbells strapped around his waist and body, which create a loud, rhythmic clanging as he moves. This auditory element is designed to attract attention, energize the crowd, and symbolically drive away evil spirits, echoing ancient pagan rites linked to fertility, protection, and the renewal of life during the winter months. Often, the Chocalheiro wears rustic, heavy clothing layered over the body, sometimes with animal skins or woolen fringes, and his face is hidden behind a mask, which may be carved from wood or made of leather, with grotesque or exaggerated features that amplify his wild and mysterious presence.

The Chocalheiro participates prominently in the Festas de Inverno or Carnival-type celebrations in Bemposta, where he joins other traditional characters such as Caretos, Velhas, or Farandulos, forming a lively parade through the village streets. The festival involves house-to-house visits, music, dancing, and playful interactions with villagers, who may be chased or teased by the masked figures. These performances combine humor, ritual, and social commentary, making the Chocalheiro both a source of entertainment and a guardian of ancestral tradition. His costume and role reflect a centuries-old cultural heritage, linking the local community to the cycles of nature, the agricultural year, and the collective memory of Trás-os-Montes’ masquerade customs.