grupo etnográfico da beira (geb), vila das velas

biography The Beira Ethnographic Group (GEB), Vila das Velas – S. Jorge was founded on July 26, 1981 under the name, at that time, of Beira Folkloric Group of Casa do Povo de Velas. This cultural association is made up of around three and a half dozen members belonging to the most diverse social and age groups, assuming itself as a faithful representative of the dances and songs, the uses and customs of the people of São Jorge at the end of the 18th, 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. Over the years of activity, the group has been committed to collecting and disseminating dances and songs, costumes and utensils from the eras it represents, participating in various activities related to ethnography, namely “Cantar aos Reis”, “Cantar as Morcelas” and “Foliões do Espírito Santo”. He has also participated in several Folklore Festivals, Cultural Exchanges and Ethnographic Days. The Group's costumes range from Sunday to work, including festive days (Espírito Santo in particular), which were worn in our municipality (Velas), more precisely in Beira, made on local looms and with Jorgense weavers and seamstresses. Each element also carries a utensil related to the profession and/or social condition it represents. The most used instruments are: mandolin, cavaquinho, viola da terra, guitar and violin, with the drum also being used, but only in the “foliões do Espírito Santo”. The Group has a repertoire of around 30 songs, of which the following stand out: Saudade, Chamarrita, Pêssegos, Meninas, Bela Aurora, São Macaio and Rhapsodia Açoriana. In addition to performing throughout the island of S. Jorge at festivals, social, cultural and tourist initiatives, he has also toured the Azores Archipelago, Madeira and Porto Santo. In mainland Portugal he worked in Vila do Conde, Vale de Cambra, Macieira de Cambra, Lamego, Retaxo, Alenquer, Oeiras, Quiaios (Figueira da Foz), Ílhavo (Aveiro) and Vila Nova de Gaia. He also participated in COFIT (Organizing Committee for International Festivals of Terceira Island). Outside the Country, he made Jorgense Culture known to the people of California and Fall River, in the USA, Canada, France, Spain, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and Italy. The Beira Ethnographic Group also participated, whenever requested, in television programs to promote Jorgense culture. The 1st CD of the Beira Etnographic Group was released in 1998 with the title “Cantares da Nossa Gente” and the 2nd titled “Cantares da Nossa Gente”, in 2002. The release date of the 2nd CD was also marked by the change in the name of the Beira Etnographic Group1. You can find more information about the group on the Beira Ethnographic Group website. discography Beira Ethnographic Group (GEB), Vila das Velas