Minho region celebrates traditional corn husking customs

Traditional corn husking celebrations, known as Desfolhada, are being organized in the Minho region to preserve local agricultural heritage and community customs.

In Vila Nova de Cerveira, the municipality and the Comissão de Festas da Sra. da Ajuda will host an event on September 5. The celebration aims to recreate the atmosphere of ancient community husking days, featuring ox carts loaded with corn, folk dance groups, and traditional singing. The initiative seeks to transmit these cultural identities to younger generations.

In Perre, Viana do Castelo, the Grupo de Danças e Cantares de Perre (GDCP) will hold its annual event on September 20. This edition will take place directly in the fields, allowing participants to engage in the full cycle of corn harvesting, cutting, and loading onto ox carts. The event also includes the tradition of searching for the ‘milho-rei’, a red corn cob associated with local folklore.