Maria Ascensão

Maria Ascensão Fernandes Teixeira (1926–2001) was a Portuguese folklorist on the island of Madeira. When she was 22, she joined the recently established Grupo Folclórico da Casa do Povo da Camacha which presented traditional songs and dances from Madeirra. Over the next 50 years, she became a leading member of the group, promoting their activities in radio interviews and documentaries. She was a key figure as the group performed at festivals and presentations in Europe, South Africa, the United States and Venezuela. She became widely respected as an authority on the oral traditions of Madeira, reviving songs and dances which had long been forgotten. Maria Ascensão is also remembered for the efforts she devoted to training members of the group.

Early life and family Born on 13 May 1926 in Camacha, Madeira, Maria Ascensão Fernandes Teixeira was the daughter of José Nicolau Fernandes Teixeira and his wife Conceição. The family's eldest child, she had two sisters and two brothers. From the age of seven she appeared in local festivities. From 1935, each year on Whit Sunday she took part as one of the main figures in the parish's processions. As for education, she attended the local primary school up to the fourth grade as was usual at the time. She also learnt textile arts, including embroidery, at the Casa do Povo da Camacha. In November 1957, she married the musician Abel Policarpo who was also a member of the Casa do Povo da Camacha Folklore Group.