Portugal “Grupo Folklórico e Cultural Dançsa e Cantares de Carreço”

The Portuguese region of Norte is considered to be the most culturally diverse part of the country. During this year’s International Festival of Highland Folklore the audience will have the opportunity to learn some of the rich folklore of this region. This time it will be music and dances from the vicinity of Viana do Castelo, an ancient harbour town and an extremely picturesque location. Viana do Castelo is known not only for its port tradition, numerous sights and excellent wine. It is also one of the most important centres of Marian devotion in the country and the place of the annual celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The streets of the city are decorated with thousands of processions of the faithful and after that you can enjoy the fable of festivals and festivities. Crowds of pilgrims also guide their steps towards the Sanctuary of St. Lucia, modelled on the Parisian Sacré Coeur. The basilica is located on the hill of St. Lucia, (300 metres a.s.l.) where one of the most beautiful views of Portugal stretches. Nearby (6km) Viana do Castelo is located in the municipality of Carreço, where the folk group came from and was founded in 1974. A cultural association dedicated to preserving and promoting regional traditions. Proud of the culture of Carreço and its surroundings, the group members present native folklore during festivals, fairs and folklore festivals. At the Zakopane festival scene the artists will present a rich and varied program of Christmas dances, as well as those danced in squares and courtyards after work. Worthy of pride are the association’s dresses. The artists emphasize their connection with the history and natural conditions of the region. They emphasize that clothing is part of the local heritage and is still used during celebrations.

The group wish to be in category I: traditional