The photographic exhibition “Open House to Saint John of Braga” aims to present the cultural traditions of the great feast of Saint John of Braga
This is an exhibition that leads us to observe movements, flavours, textures, and smells. The photographed clip covers two of the main parades that are part of the programme, the Ethnographic Procession and the Procession of Rusgas
The sweets (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
The sweets
The Ethnographic Procession
The ethnographic groups emerged with the purpose of valuing local traditions and customs throughout Minho, through presentations in exhibitions and folk festivals
Snacks (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
These groups began having a fundamental role in the festivities of Saint John, where they showed dances, songs, costumes, and customs. The Saint John festivities served as a stage for Minho folklore
The village (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
To preserve the traditions of the groups of rusgas, folkloric and ethnographic groups were formed
Ukulele musicians (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
The "folklorization" process contributes to the dissemination of cultural traditions, preserving identity expressions associated with a certain time and space (Ferreira, 2013)
The harvest (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
The harvest
From the waters (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
From the waters
Seasoning (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
Seasonings
The Procession of Rusgas
The Procession of Rusgas originally functioned as a gathering of the inhabitants of urban and rural areas of the municipality of Braga. On the 23rd of June, the pilgrims left their villages, singing and dancing all the way to Parque da Ponte, in the centre of Braga
Processions (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
The women were entrusted with carrying lunch boxes on their heads, containing green wine, cornbread, and chouriço (Portuguese sausage) slices, in sufficient quantities to guarantee an overnight stay and for the following day (Ferreira, 2013)
Dance in pairs (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
The definition of rusga refers to a group of musicians of popular instruments accompanied by other members who sing and dance spontaneously (Ferreira, 2013)
Band (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
The Rusga de São Vicente, one of the most emblematic folklore groups, made their debut in 1965, during the Saint John´s festivities, with the clear intention of keeping this tradition alive
In Saint John, we experience the pleasure and joy of gigantones (giant dolls), bass drums and instruments and ranchos (folk dance groups)
Giant doll (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
Gigantones
Giant dolls
Bass drum (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
Bass drum
Typical dances (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
Ranchos
Painting the sky (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
Painting the sky
Open house (21th Century) by Tatiane OliveiraVirtual Museum of Lusophony
Open House to Saint John of Braga
Script and photography: Taís Morena
References:
Ferreira, R. (2013). As festas de São João em Braga: Raízes, história e potencial turístico. Tese de mestrado. Universidade do Minho. Braga. Disponível aqui.
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