As you plan your trip to Portugal, you may come across mentions of a small village called Peúgo nestled in the northern mountains. Before you add it as a quick stopover, there are a few key things you should know about this hidden gem. Peúgo offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life that has largely disappeared from most of Portugal. The village has remained virtually unchanged for over a century, with stone houses, winding cobblestone paths, and a pace of life lost in the hustle of most towns and cities. However, its remote location means resources are sparse and comforts are few. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the Portuguese countryside, Peúgo deserves a spot at the top of your list. But go in with realistic expectations about the facilities available in this largely untouched slice of history. With the proper mindset, Peúgo can be a peaceful respite from the modern world and a chance to live life as the locals do.
What Is Peúgo?
Peúgo refers to a category of Portuguese soft cheeses made from sheep’s milk. The word “peúgo” derives from a plant that sheep feed on that gives the cheese its characteristic flavor. Peúgo cheeses are produced in specific regions of Portugal, primarily in the Alentejo and Ribatejo provinces.
There are two main types of peúgo cheese: cured and soft. Cured peúgo is aged for a minimum of two months and has a firm, crumbly texture similar to feta. Soft peúgo is fresh, rindless cheese that is creamy and spreadable. Both varieties have a slightly nutty, tangy flavor from the sheep’s milk and the herbs the animals feed on.
To make peúgo cheese, sheep’s milk is first curdled using rennet, an enzyme that separates the milk into curds (solids) and whey (liquid). The curds are then shaped, salted, and aged. Peúgo’s characteristic aroma develops during the aging process as beneficial microbes break down the curds. The finished cheese has a pale yellow color and a slightly grainy texture.
Peúgo pairs well with full-bodied Portuguese wines like Alentejo reds. It is also commonly eaten with bread to soak up the flavorful oils. Olive oil, honey, and quince or fig jam are other traditional accompaniments.
Peúgo cheese is an important part of Portugal’s gastronomic heritage. Its unique flavor reflects the country’s landscape, climate, and pastoral history. For cheese lovers visiting Portugal, peúgo is a must-try.
The History and Origins of Peúgo
To fully appreciate peúgo, it is important to understand its origins and history.
Early History
Peúgo originated in the Basque region between France and Spain. The earliest known references date back to the 16th century. At the time, peúgo was a casual, everyday garment worn by Basque peasants and farmers. It was valued for being versatile, comfortable and hard-wearing.
Traditional Design
Traditionally, peúgo was made from natural, locally-sourced materials like linen, hemp and wool. The cut and construction were simple, typically consisting of rectangular pieces of fabric stitched together. Peúgo usually featured drop shoulders, a loose fit and extended to just above the knee. Bright colors and stripes were common, along with embroidered or printed patterns unique to each village.
Cultural Significance
Peúgo played an important role in Basque cultural identity. The specific colors, cuts and decorations of each village’s peúgo were a source of local pride. Peúgo was traditionally worn for special cultural events like Basque rural sports, dances and festivals. Today, peúgo is still valued as a symbol of Basque heritage and history. Some Basques continue to wear traditional peúgo on special occasions, though modern versions now incorporate contemporary fabrics and styles.
Modern Revival
In recent decades, peúgo has seen a fashion revival and gained wider popularity outside the Basque region. Contemporary peúgo comes in a variety of updated cuts, colors and patterns but still seeks to honor the simplicity and heritage of the traditional design. Peúgo’s distinctive style and cultural roots have given it a dedicated following in the folk and boho fashion movements.
How Peúgo Is Played
Peúgo is an exciting trick-taking card game that originated in Northern Spain. To play Peúgo, you will need the following:
Equipment
- A 40-card Spanish deck (no eights, nines or tens)
- 4 players
- Score sheet and pencil to keep score
Setup
Deal 10 cards to each player. The remaining undealt cards form the talon and are placed face down. Players pick up their cards and arrange them by suit in a fan shape so everyone can see how many of each suit they have.
Gameplay
The goal is to take the most valuable card in each trick. The highest card of the suit led wins each trick. The game is played over several rounds.
- The first player leads a card to start the first trick. Players must follow suit by playing a card of the same suit. If unable to follow suit, play any card.
- The highest card of the suit led wins the trick. The trick winner leads the next trick.
- Once all cards have been played, deal passes to the left. The new dealer deals more cards from the talon until everyone has 10 cards again.
- Play more rounds until the talon is depleted. Players count the points in their won tricks – aces are 11 points, 3s are 10, kings are 4 and so on. The player with the highest score wins!
Peúgo combines elements of luck and skill. Carefully tracking which high value cards have been played will help determine which suit to lead to win valuable tricks. Reading your opponents and deducing which cards they may hold based on their plays also provides a strategic advantage. With practice, you’ll be taking more tricks and dominating at Peúgo in no time!
Peúgo Leagues and Tournaments Around the World
Peúgo leagues and tournaments are held around the world for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or professional, there are many opportunities to compete internationally.
Major Peúgo Leagues
The World Peúgo Federation (WPF) oversees official peúgo leagues on six continents. The premier league is the Champions League, featuring the top pro teams from over 50 countries. Division 1 and 2 leagues also hold competitions across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
In North America, Major League Peúgo (MLP) is the highest level of competition, with 12 franchise teams across the US and Canada. The season runs from April to October, culminating in the World Series. Tickets to matches and the championship can be purchased on the MLP website or through licensed retailers.
International Tournaments
The pinnacle of international play is the Peúgo World Cup, held every 4 years. The men’s, women’s and youth World Cups attract the best national teams and players, with the finals viewed by over a billion people worldwide. Qualifying matches for the World Cup begin 2-3 years in advance.
Other major tournaments include:
- The Peúgo Confederations Cup, featuring winners of each continent’s championship.
- The Pan American Games peúgo tournament for teams from North and South America.
- The Asian Cup for national teams from Asia and Australia.
- The Africa Cup of Nations for teams from Africa.
- The European Championship for national teams from Europe.
Whether watching or participating, peúgo leagues and tournaments allow people from all over the globe to come together through a shared love of the game. The passion of fans and competitive spirit of players continue to drive the sport to new heights.
How You Can Get Started Playing Peúgo
To get started playing peúgo, you will need to acquire the necessary equipment. The basic gear includes:
The Ball
The peúgo ball is small, hard, and heavy, resembling a shot put. Traditionally made of stone, modern balls are often made of metal. The ball weighs between 10 to 15 pounds, so beginners should start with a lighter ball around 10 pounds to develop proper throwing technique before moving on to heavier balls.
The Pitch
Peúgo is played on a flat, open pitch with a diameter of 20 to 30 feet. The pitch is framed by a circle marked on the ground. There are no other field markings. The surface should be dirt, grass, or sand without obstacles.
Protective Gear
Given the weight of the peúgo ball, protective gear like helmets, gloves, and sturdy footwear are recommended, especially when you are first learning. As you improve, you can determine what level of protective gear makes you feel most comfortable and secure.
Additional Equipment
You may want to invest in a peúgo bag or case to transport the ball to and from the pitch. Some players also use a towel to wipe dirt or moisture from their hands before throwing.
To start playing peúgo, find an open area to set up your pitch. Put on your protective gear, grab your peúgo ball, and you are ready to begin practicing the throwing techniques unique to this sport. Start close to the center of the pitch, holding the ball with an overhand grip. Bend forward at the waist with knees slightly bent and throw the ball up and out, releasing it off to the side of your body. Follow through across your body after releasing the ball. Work on consistently releasing the ball off to the same side and achieving maximum distance and accuracy.
With regular practice of the proper throwing technique, you will be playing peúgo in no time. Best of luck and enjoy this challenging sport!
Conclusion
As you can see, the Portuguese peúgo is a unique and versatile garment that deserves more recognition. Whether used for work, leisure, or cultural events, the peúgo has a long and storied history in Portugal that continues today. By understanding its origins and uses, you can gain a deeper appreciation for this integral part of Portuguese history and identity.The next time you visit Portugal, be on the lookout for people wearing the peúgo – you just might spot a shepherd tending to his flock, a farmer working his land, or dancers performing at a festival. The peúgo remains an important symbol of Portuguese culture, tradition, and way of life.
