Spinning Through Generations: Casa do Minho Portuguese Pavilion Shines at Folklorama 2025

By Donovan Martin, Sr. Editor in Chief

At Folklorama 2025, the Casa do Minho Portuguese Pavilion brought Portugal’s streets to life in a festival of movement, music, and family. This year’s theme, Festival Street Dance, created an atmosphere buzzing with energy, where each performance felt alive with history, joy, and community pride.

From the moment guests stepped inside, the pavilion was electric. Ambassadors greeted visitors with warm, quiet smiles, while the hosts guided the evening with grace, sharing stories that framed each dance with meaning. The audience fed off the dancers’ energy, clapping, cheering, and gasping in delight as performers spun, twirled, and executed intricate footwork that could only come from years—sometimes decades—of practice. Every movement was precise yet effortless, a reflection of dedication passed down through generations. Every dancer smiled genuinely, clearly enjoying the act of performing, a joy that echoed the happiness one hopes to feel on life’s milestone occasions, like a wedding.

The host was a master storyteller, setting up each routine with suspense and intrigue before revealing the history and significance behind every movement. Audiences were drawn into the narrative of Portugal’s vibrant street festivals, which occur every weekend across the country, and left with a sense of connection to the culture that extended far beyond the stage.

Music underscored every moment. A live band filled the pavilion with the lively rhythms of Portuguese festivals, their beats keeping hearts moving and feet tapping. Alexis made a remarkable debut, performing her new single with a voice that carried across the room, blending contemporary talent seamlessly with tradition.

The pavilion’s volunteers were the lifeblood of the evening. Coordinated by Judy Gravito Forbes, last year’s Ambassador General—the highest honour bestowed by Folklorama, given to four representatives of the festival each year, two adults and two females—Judy stepped into her first year as pavilion coordinator while leading over 60 helpers to ensure every guest felt welcome and cared for. She described the pavilion as “truly a family affair” and expressed excitement about passing her cultural heritage on to her daughter.

Judy described the pavilion as “truly a family affair” and expressed excitement about passing her cultural heritage on to her daughter. Susie and Jennifer, community staples who have danced and held many roles over the years, shared their pride. “I’ve danced here for years, and now seeing our children and other young family members perform—it’s incredible to witness traditions continue,” said Susie. Jennifer added, “Serving guests, dancing, helping where needed—it fills me with joy to watch everyone come together to celebrate our culture.”

Food was another highlight, filling the pavilion with irresistible aromas. Guests enjoyed everything from savory pork buns to traditional Portuguese pastries, each bite a reminder of the country’s rich culinary heritage. Those preparing the food worked tirelessly to ensure every guest could taste and experience Portugal, and Chef Ana Godinho Esteves of Viena do Castelo created culinary treats that delighted everyone, adding flavour to the festival’s vibrant rhythm.

Moments of cultural storytelling added depth to the celebration. One that resonated with the audience was the significance of the black wedding dress, symbolizing a bride leaving home to start her own life and family. These insights, shared between dances, allowed guests to connect with the meaning behind the movement and music, making the evening both entertaining and enlightening.

As the night unfolded, Casa do Minho stood as a vibrant gathering of family, tradition, and community. Generations of dancers spun and leaped, volunteers welcomed and guided guests, and the audience’s excitement fed off the performers’ joy. From the music to the food to the stories told through movement, every detail celebrated the heart of Portugal. For anyone experiencing Folklorama, this pavilion offered not just a performance, but a living, breathing lesson in culture, joy, and the importance of passing traditions forward.