Rancho Folclórico As Tricanas Featured on LusoCanada Podcast
The newest episode of the LusoCanada Podcast features Cristiano Matos, president of Rancho Folclórico As Tricanas, a Portuguese folklore group founded in Toronto in 1980 and now based in Hamilton.
In this conversation, Cristiano shares the story of a rancho created by parents who wanted to represent a different region of Portugal within the Portuguese community in Ontario. At a time when many folklore groups in the Toronto area represented the Minho province, As Tricanas was formed to preserve and present the traditions of the Bairrada, a region connected to Aveiro and Coimbra and known for wine, vineyards, rural life, and distinctive costumes.
The group was originally sponsored by Rancho Folclórico da Nazaré, creating a meaningful connection in the early history of Portuguese folklore in Canada. Over the years, As Tricanas became part of the cultural life of the community, with performances in Canada, the United States, and Portugal.
Cristiano also speaks about his own family’s deep connection to folklore. His great-grandfather had a rancho in the Praia da Vagueira area, near Aveiro, where he wrote music for the group. Several members of Cristiano’s family have been involved with As Tricanas since the 1990s, including siblings, cousins, parents, and relatives who helped keep the tradition alive across generations.
After the pandemic, the future of the group became uncertain. In 2023, Cristiano was approached about taking over the rancho. He accepted, on the condition that As Tricanas be moved to Hamilton, where there was renewed interest and where his family and community network could help rebuild it.
Today, Rancho Folclórico As Tricanas represents the Beira Litoral region, including Aveiro, Coimbra, and part of northern Leiria. The group currently has around 25 to 30 members, rehearses at St. Lawrence School in Hamilton, and continues to participate in Portuguese community celebrations, including Portugal Day events organized through ACAPO.
This episode is a story of renewal, family memory, regional pride, and the commitment needed to keep Portuguese folklore alive in Canada.
Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms.
Click here to learn about the history of the group.
This historical archive is supported by:
The White Fleet – Enduring connection with Canada
Luso-Canadian Firsts – read, learn, contribute
Quebec – The Second Largest Portuguese Province in Canada
About The Author
Paulo Pereira
Paulo Pereira has worked in community media for over 20 years. He started as a reporter for Sol Portugues. Later, he became Editor of Team Desportivo, Director of Flash News, Director of Jornal da Aliança, Director of Luso-Ontario Magazine, and Editor at Correio da Manha Canada's newspaper. Paulo Pereira is also a co-founder of Associacao Migrante de Barcelos where he volunteered for many years as Secretary and Sporting Director. He also volunteered for Casa do Benfica de Toronto for close to a decade as member of the Board in roles such as Public Relations Director and Vice-President for Sports and Culture. Currently, he is the President of Project First Nations, a not-for-profit organization. In November of 2023, he was elected as a member of the Portuguese Community Council, representing the District of Toronto, which includes Ontario, Manitoba and Nunavut. In 2025, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal from Canada’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Arif Virani.