The “Brincas of Evora” is a dramatic performance using popular rhymes as the narrative
plot, encompassing music, dance and poetry. It is a carnival celebration inspired by old winter rituals
which were common through out Europe. This paper aims to describe, analyze and discuss the
“Brincas of Évora”, a type of popular performance celebrated in the south of Portugal, looking at its
theatrical features and the motivations of the participants. It also discusses the community relevance
of “Brincas” in terms of social, emotional and esthetic experience. A mixed methodology has been
used to integrate different voices – group elements, cultural and artistic leaders and the audiences
