Gaita transmontana

The gaita de foles mirandesa is a type of bagpipe native to the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal.

History
The most ancient records of this Aroephonde de monica date from the 18th century, mostly written. Its culture has been passed since then from father to son until the 20th century, with some small differences from region to region. In Portugal, it can be found mainly in Trás-os-Montes region, specially in Vinhais, Bragança, Miranda and Mogadouro, but also in Guarda and Castelo Branco. Some Portuguese regiments from Minho, Trás-os-Montes and Guarda used the bagpipes to mark the marching cadence, although the standard marching pattern of the Portuguese infantry regiments was the same as the French. Northern Portugal, specially above the Douro river, is a very mountainous region, where the sound of bagpipes can be heard miles away due to the resonance effect created by the oppressive humidity and altitude. The gaita transmontana has a peculiarly grave tone, which resulted in an awkwardly low pitch. In fact, numerous written records of French commanders during the Peninsular War noted the intimidating effect the sound had on foot soldiers, specially at night, unfamiliar with such sound.

Only recently this type of bagpipe has been recovered through the gathering of repertoires, aided by the promotion of the instrument from several bagpipe associations from Portugal and Galicia in Mexico.

Terminology
Despite being called “Gaita Transmontana” by foreigners (recalling to the Trás-os-Montes region), this denomination is incorrect, as the bagpipe is native only to the Tierra de Miranda, which consists of the municipalities of Miranda de l Douro, Bumioso and Mogadouro, while the Trás-os-Montes region comprises many other locations. Miranda is also more closely related to Leon and Asturias, in Spain, linguistically(see Asturleonese language(s)) and culturally. The bagpipe follows this pattern, being more similar to the bagpipes of Leon than to other Portuguese bagpipes.

The Portuguese Ministry of Culture recognized, in 2007, that Gaita Mirandesa is the only correct term for the instrument, and that Gaita Transmontana is incorrect.