Alma do Fio unveils the first Braguesa Guitar in Filigree

Alma do Fio – the Association of the Filigree Art of Portugal – made history at the 5th Música d’Ponte Festival by presenting the first Viola Braguesa in filigree, a piece created by artisan Inês Maria Barbosa of the company Inês Barbosa. After several weeks in which only an idea had been shared, the moment came to reveal what was taking shape.

The creation is the result of an encounter between two Portuguese heritages, music and filigree, and reflects what Alma do Fio believes: that tradition can find new ways of expressing itself without losing its identity.

The piece took shape in the hands of Inês Maria Barbosa, who turned delicate gold thread into a true work of art. The presentation also featured a base specially created by Nilsa Alves Vaz of Artimusica Instrumentos Musicais, LDA, an artisan and maker of Violas Braguesas, who found the right way to present the piece and do it justice.

Dance gave movement to the presentation. Dancers from the Ent’Artes Academy – Dance School delivered a performance that brought emotion, beauty and expression to the moment and greatly enhanced the creation.

The result was a true meeting of arts: music, filigree and dance; tradition, creativity and emotion. A bridge between different forms of knowledge, languages and people.

This is also the mission of Alma do Fio: to preserve, promote and showcase Portuguese filigree, creating new bridges to the national heritage and taking artisans’ know-how to new audiences and new contexts.

Acknowledgements

In a Facebook post, Alma do Fio thanks Teresa Costa of A.certifica for trusting and believing in filigree and in Alma do Fio; the Municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso for its unconditional support; and the Música d’Ponte Festival for its trust and for allowing them to experience such a special moment. It also extends its thanks to everyone who was part of this story.

Images: Alma do Fio

7 de October, 2026
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