Idanha-a-Nova and Music
Traditions
The Adufe is the true symbol of local identity, being a good example of the preservation of traditions that characterizes the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova. Although, in the past, it could be found in other regions of the country, this kind of tambourine bi-membranophone nowadays preserves some vitality and projection only in idanha-a-nova. The adufe is a square or rectangular frame drum usually made of pine, over which is mounted a goat's skin. The size of the frame usually ranges from 12 to 22 inches on each side, and 1 to 2 inches thick. The skin is stitched on the sides, with the stitches covered by a coloured ribbon. In the interior small seeds or small stones are placed to enhance its peculiar sound. An adufe is completely handmade, from the treatment of the goat skins to the construction of the wood base and fixation of the skinor even bottle caps are placed to. It is played by women - adufeiras – and it is primarily produced at the Center for Traditional Arts and José Relvas´ shop.
The City of Idanha-a-Nova has transformed the celebrations connected to the Lenten and Paschal cycle in cultural and touristic asset. In recent years, the Beira municipality has preserved, valued and inventoried all this intangible heritage.