GRUPO MOMENTOS, VOL. 11

Bandinhas refers to the tradition of small community wind/brass bands found across Portugal that perform at town fairs (romarias), religious processions, and local festivities. Typically made up of clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, cornets, trombones, baritones, tubas, and a parade-style percussion section (bass drum, snare, cymbals), these ensembles play lively marches, pasodobles, polkas, and waltzes, alongside arrangements of Portuguese folk melodies. The overall feel is festive and “oom‑pah” driven, with strong melodic leads, simple yet effective harmonies, and clear, danceable rhythms. In practice, bandinhas act as cultural anchors in their communities, preserving repertoire and performance customs while also arranging popular tunes for local celebrations.