Exhibition "Zé Povinho and the Elites in Miranda do Douro"

The Municipality of Miranda do Douro presents the exhibition «Zé Povinho and the Elites in Miranda do Douro», a show combining illustrations by the artist Gady (Rui Santos) with sculptures by Andreia Costa. The exhibition will be on display at the António Maria Mourinho Municipal Library, in Miranda do Douro's historic centre, from May 7 to July 4, 2026.

Zé Povinho is one of the most iconic figures in Portuguese culture, created by caricaturist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro in 1875. He represents the common Portuguese people — hardworking, resilient, and sometimes irreverent towards the elites and those in power. In this exhibition, the artists reinterpret this iconic character within the unique context of Miranda do Douro, a land of ancestral traditions, the Mirandese language, and a strong cultural identity in the northeast of Trás-os-Montes.

Gady's illustrations bring a contemporary and satirical perspective on the relationship between ordinary people and the elites in the Miranda region, while Andreia Costa's sculptures give three-dimensional form to these narratives, creating a dialogue between the two artistic mediums.

The António Maria Mourinho Municipal Library, which hosts the exhibition, is a cultural landmark in Miranda do Douro, honouring the priest and ethnographer who contributed significantly to preserving Mirandese culture. The building is located at Largo D. João III, in the heart of the city, next to the Cathedral and the medieval castle.

Admission is free and the exhibition is open to the general public, making it an excellent opportunity for visitors passing through Miranda do Douro during spring and early summer. A visit can be complemented with a stroll through the historic centre, a trip down to the Douro Internacional Natural Park, or an environmental cruise along the dramatic river cliffs.