Visconde do Porto da Cruz: A Scholar of Madeiran Culture

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to contribute to the knowledge of a part of the work of Visconde do Porto da Cruz (1890-1962), regarding the studies related to the cultural heritage of the Madeira archipelago.
An inescapable figure of the Madeiran society and culture of the 20^th century, Alfredo de Freitas Branco, Visconde do Porto da Cruz (since 1921), has been distinguished as a journalist, publicist, writer, folklorist and lecturer, revealing many facets in different phases of his life. As a writer, he left a vast legacy, composed by texts from different literary genres and varied themes. As a scholar and prolific promoter of his cultural roots, he lectured and published studies in periodicals, opuscules and volume, helping to preserve aspects of Madeiran identity and cultural memory.

Keywords

Visconde do Porto da Cruz; Popular Culture; Cultural Heritage; Identity; Madeira.