On July the 7th the group of dance Kezka dantza taldea from Eibar took part in an International stick-dance festival in the village of Miranda do Douro, in Portugal. Together with us there were two other groups from a small region of Zamora and Sanabria (both Spain) called Tierras del Pan and Tábara. Furthermore, there were also five stick-dance groups from Portugal: Malhadas, Palaçoulo, Fonte d’Aldeia, Duas Igrejas and the local dancers from Miranda do Douro.
We must mention the performance of both groups from Zamora. On one hand, the ones from Tábara. This group showed us a great stick-dance. Dressed with some amazing hats and guided by the character of Birrio (buffoon character) they performed some fox-dance-like dances. On the other hand, we had the chance to know the other dance group from Zamora. This group from Tierras del Pan was guided by a very known musician called Alberto Jambrina. He is very known in the traditional music due to his knowledge in the flute and drum. This group performed also their own stick-dances.
Finally, our group, Kezka dantza taldea, together with the flute players of Usartza txistulari banda performed the dances on the Lady of Arrate. Our performance began with the Sword-dance on the Lady of Arrate and it continued with the stick-dances.
We had a short but an intensive stay in Portugal. We have been very well attended by the organisation of the festival and we also have to thanks to some people like Andrea, Cristina, Vitor, Tosé and to those who have been working for the traditional culture in the organisation Mirandanças. Besides, we had the opportunity to know the village walking through the streets due to the wonderful parade we had before the performance.
Moito obrigado Mirandanças!
If you want to see all photos taken by Iñaki Zugasti please click here
Dantzing, Oier & Oier basque dancers 