In northern Portugal, between the Minho and the mountains, there is an area where history and legends merge. Melgaço is a place with strong cultural identity, recognised for its folklore and its unique landscape. Here, two elements are almost always related – water and femininity. Both are necessary for the fertility of the valley, becoming irreplaceable references in the imagination of Alto Minho. Myths, superstitions, tales and legends are an undeniable part of our common culture. This memory-based knowledge is a vestige of the past; it manifests in the way people move through society, changing their perception of the world.
Spiritual heritage is often hidden in rural areas, where people live in deep connection with the natural world. This project presents a collection of narratives from the region, directly from the heart of its people. The project seeks to reflect on the social value of these narratives and metaphors; where they appear simple, they often have deeper meaning. They offer wisdom in the face of human frailty. They arise from the need to explain the mysteries of the universe, as well as our place within it. From voice to voice they survive the centuries. Men die, but tales remain.
