biography Rancho Poveiro, also known as Grupo Folclórica Poveiro, was founded on June 24, 1936, by the Poveiro ethnographer António dos Santos Graça. This ranch represents the ethnographic region of the Douro Litoral and its objective is to keep the dances and songs of the fishermen alive. Rancho Poveiro has danced all over the country, from Minho to the Algarve, Spain, France, Switzerland, Brazil and Belgium. The costumes worn by the group are those worn by fishermen from Póvoa de Varzim at the end of the 19th century. The costumes are predominantly made in "branqueta" (white wool fabric) in the skirts and trousers and also feature the famous white wool sweater embroidered with maritime motifs in cross stitch. The most traditional dances are chulas, viras and circle dances. The band is made up of accordions, acoustic guitars, cavaquinhos, bass drums and iron. Since its foundation, Rancho Poveiro has been under the responsibility of the Municipality of Póvoa de Varzim and represents one of the main vectors for promoting tourism and popular culture. The group organizes a folk festival - Festipóvoa - every two years (as part of the Festas de S. Pedro at the end of June or beginning of July).
