Terra de Miranda

Tierra 'de Miranda or Terra de Miranda ; ), also known as the Praino Mirandés or Planalto Mirandês, both meaning Mirandese Plateau', is an Asturleonese cultural region in northeastern Portugal, centered around the city of Miranda de l Douro on the border with Spain, where Mirandese is commonly spoken.

Etymology

The etymology of the toponym Miranda is still debated, though it is a common place name across Portugal, Spain, and their former colonial empires. The Latin mirandus means "worthy of admiration", and when used in a place name seems to indicate an area at or around a vantage point, such as a watchtower or a belvedere.

Geography

Boundaries

Broadly speaking, the Tierra de Miranda comprises the area between the Sabor and Douro rivers, more specifically, the current municipalities of Miranda de l Douro and Bumioso, most of Mogadouro, and small parts of Bergáncia and Freixo de [Espada à Cinta|Frezno de Spada a la Cinta]. These regions were historically part of the Diocese of Astorga, and during the Reconquista were settled by people of the Kingdom of Leon, speakers of Old Leonese.

Culture

Among the best-known cultural features of the area are the Mirandese language, the Pauliteiros, the pagan rituals practiced from Christmas to Easter, the farandulo, and bagpipe music.