Weaving Traditions: The Fiadeiras of Soajo

In the northern part of Portugal, specifically in the Região do Minho, lies a region rich in traditions and art that spans the districts of Braga and Viana do Castelo, along with some twenty municipalities in the basins of the Minho, Lima, Cávado, and Ave rivers. This territory is a melting pot of ancestral customs that have endured through time.

Among these venerable traditions, we delve into the world of spinning wheels and yarn, which for centuries served as a meeting point for women who shared the age-old art of weaving, not only fabrics but also community bonds, to the rhythm of traditional songs. These skilled spinners dedicated themselves to the noble task of transforming animal fibers into threads, which were then turned into textiles for clothing or to embellish homes. As time passed, traditional roles began to fade, especially from the 20th century onwards, when the image of hand spinning was perceived as an obsolete chore, linked to trivial women’s chatter and songs considered old-fashioned. Furthermore, the young women of the time showed decreasing interest in these traditions, and many emigrated from their localities, leading to the gradual oblivion of the art of spinning.

However, in the town of Soajo, nestled in the high lands of Lima and known for its charming Espigueiros (granaries) built on enormous granite slabs, the tradition of the spinners has resurged with strength. «In winter afternoons, she spun, sang, and waited… that’s the spinner,» goes the saying. Today, a group of women has united under the name Las Fiadeiras de Soajo with the firm purpose of preventing this precious heritage from falling into oblivion. Their goal is to ensure the perpetuation of ancestral knowledge by collecting and archiving the songs that once echoed in the fields and the traditional sounds that accompanied the spinners. By doing so, they ensure the transmission of this cultural richness to future generations, thus weaving a future rooted in the past.

This journal is by Manel Subirats. I explore the intersection of travel, culture, and self-discovery. I share reflective essays, practical guides, and photography tips. If my wandering words resonate with you, please consider joining me :)