The Asociación Cultural Cobres dedicated the day to recognizing the commitment of madamas, galáns, musicians and collaborators in preserving a centuries-old tradition.
The Asociación Cultural Cobres held a new edition of the Morada last Saturday, March 29, a special gathering for madamas, galáns, and the many people who collaborate every year in the Entroido de Cobres. The event, which brought this year’s edition to a close, began at 1:30 p.m. with a vermouth session followed by lunch under the tent set up in Riomaior. The celebration continued into the afternoon with bouncy castles and live musical entertainment.
Madamas, galáns, dancers, and musicians were honored for their effort and dedication throughout the year, after countless hours of rehearsals to keep alive a tradition that dates back to the 17th century. Many participants have decades of experience, but the four intense days of Entroido —spending over eight hours a day on their feet— continue to pose a real physical challenge.
The Asociación Cultural Cobres highlighted the deep commitment and sense of responsibility required to take on the roles of madama or galán —roles that involve not only performance, but also personal sacrifices and a year-round dedication.
Once again, the Morada was organized as an act of recognition for all that dedication. A celebration for the extended Entroido family, where participants enjoyed a meal of fellowship and heartfelt appreciation from the local community.
Martín Duarte, president of the association, remarked: “This is the only day we get to enjoy the celebration. The rest of the year is filled with weekly meetings, rehearsals, planning events, and trips where we take the Entroido de Cobres.”
The current format of the Morada —held under a tent and catered— has evolved from an older tradition in which madamas, galáns, and musicians gathered after the Entroido. Lidia Peleteiro, a member of the association’s board, recalled that in the past, the meal was prepared using the food collected during the Entroido procession. “Some even donated a cow for the occasion,” she said. At that time, only dancers and musicians attended the lunch. Over time, a cook was hired, and families helped with the preparations, leading to today’s version of the event, now open to all those who support the festival.
Peleteiro emphasized that “The Morada is now open to families and all those who, in one way or another, help preserve this festival, which is a defining feature of Vilaboa —especially of Cobres. The laborious crafting of the headdresses, the elaborate costumes, the accessories, and the logistics and expenses required to sustain this tradition year-round would be unthinkable without the families’ involvement and sacrifice.”
