Experiences of re-signification of carnival traditions in Podence and Ovar, Portugal

Abstract

The aim of this article consisted of evaluating experiences of re-signification of carnival traditions in the localities of Ovar and Podence, in Portugal. In the research, held in 2013, it was adopted a qualitative approach, with case study design, and techniques were employed, like narrative interviews, recordings in fieldwork notebook, peripheral participant observation and document analysis. The results indicated that the following aspects were relevant in the re-signification of the traditions in question: influence of the tourism, spectacularization and transformation of rituals in performances, academic and journalistic writings, selection of cultural contents by the organizers, and the own dynamic nature of the traditions. However, it was found that although the cultural manifestations are being re-signified, it was considered the reservation that the changes of characteristics were presented as alternative to their disappearance, once they showed weakening before being rehabilitated as touristic attractions.