Bombos de Lavacolhos: Drum Tradition

With origins dating back to the early nineteenth century and hailing from the village of Lavacolhos in Fundão region, the Bombos of Lavacolhos are among the oldest and most emblematic ensembles working within the Portuguese folk music tradition. Their repertoire preserves the historic Moda do Bombo, as recorded by Michel Giacometti, keeping this form of cultural expression alive through the power of bombos (larger bass drums), caixas (smaller drums) and pífaro (piccolos). Essentially performing as street musicians, the group appears regularly across Portugal and abroad. In partnership with Casa do Bombo, a cultural centre based in the former village primary school, the group conducts important work conserving and promoting Portuguese traditional music.

Photography: Pedro Vilaça Delgado Fotografia