Pauliteiros Stick Dance

The pauliteiros stick dance is the most recognisable tradition of Terra de Miranda. Danced by groups of men who strike short sticks against one another to bagpipes, snare and bass drum, it evokes old warrior rituals. Its origin is disputed: some trace it to Celtic roots, others to Roman influence, others still to French models. No version commands consensus, and the argument itself is part of the story around it. The Pauliteiros de Miranda still perform at festivals and pilgrimages across the municipality, and are today one of the cultural emblems of Portugal's north-east.