For years I had wanted to see Miranda, the place with the petticoated "Stick Dancers"

Abstract

This photograph represents a traditional costume of Portugal, the "dança dos paulitos" performed by Pauliteiros de Miranda, from Miranda do Douro. On the right side of the picture, there are four boys in charge of the music, carrying musical instruments, while one of them is playing the bagpipes, central part of this folkloric music. There is a man who seems to be leading the group of dancers, composed by eight men dressed accordingly to the tradition, with white skirts, vests and a hat. Each of them has two sticks, essential for the dance they are about to perform.