• On the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the language department of the provincial entity presents this publication in collaboration with the Cultural and Educational Association Ponte…nas ondas!, a UNESCO-accredited advisory body for ICH, authored by two scholars and researchers of Galician-Portuguese oral literature: professors Domingo Blanco from Galicia and Carlos Nogueira from Portugal.
• The publication coincides with the year in which Galician Literature Day is dedicated to oral literature and also marks the 30th anniversary of PNO!
• The initiative also aims to serve as a tool for passing on this shared culture to new generations.
“This work reflects the treasure of intangible cultural heritage shared between both countries—the oral literary tradition, a living heritage preserved and transmitted by its bearers, and which in this year 2025 has been honored by the Royal Galician Academy on Galician Literature Day,” stated Sol Agra, language deputy of the Provincial Council of A Coruña, during the presentation of the Galician-Portuguese Songbook on Friday, November 17. The project was promoted in collaboration with the Cultural and Educational Association Ponte…nas ondas!, a UNESCO advisory body for ICH.
The public release of this work coincides with the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and is signed by two scholars and researchers of Galician-Portuguese oral literature: professors Domingo Blanco from Galicia and Carlos Nogueira from Portugal. The presentation was led by deputy Sol Agra, accompanied by the president of Ponte…nas ondas!, Santi Veloso, and author Domingo Blanco.
Galician Letters that Cross Borders
In his remarks, Santiago Veloso, president of PNO!, celebrated the “joyful occasion” of this publication’s release in the same year the association marks its 30th anniversary and the celebration of oral literature passed down through traditional singers and heritage bearers. “A year in which Galician Letters become international, reaching beyond borders and crossing continents—the Galician-Portuguese oral heritage is present throughout the Lusophone world,” Veloso emphasized.
“This shared heritage that has survived across borders is reflected in this traditional songbook, which remains alive in Lusophone territories. As a society, we have the responsibility to care for it and pass it on to future generations. Ponte…nas ondas! affirms the existence of a common Galician-Portuguese heritage, and this songbook is an essential contribution to its understanding and dissemination.”
The association’s representative expressed gratitude for the Provincial Council of A Coruña’s support of the publication and highlighted the work of Domingo Blanco and Carlos Nogueira, both recognized experts in the field of oral literature. He also praised the “beautiful graphic interpretation” by illustrator and designer Andrés Meixide, which accompanies the texts.
You can download the book and consult related material: https://pontenasondas.org/cancioneiro/
