The braguinha, Madeira’s cherished four-stringed instrument, has a vibrant history that spans centuries and continents. This modest yet melodious instrument not only shaped the cultural identity of Madeira but also became the unlikely ancestor of Hawaii’s iconic ukulele. Its story is intertwined with tales of migration, adaptation, and a shared love of music.
What is the Braguinha?
The braguinha—sometimes called the cavaquinho—is a small string instrument with a bright, cheerful tone. Compact and easy to carry, it has long been a favorite for traditional Madeiran gatherings. Its size and sound make it the perfect accompaniment for spontaneous celebrations, family sing-alongs, or evenings filled with folk dances like the bailinho.
In Madeira, the braguinha often makes an appearance during casual gatherings with family and friends. Whether it’s a Sunday barbecue or a festive Christmas dinner, the instrument is brought out to add music to the laughter and storytelling. For many families, it serves as a bridge between generations, with older members teaching younger ones traditional tunes and techniques.
How it traveled to Hawaii
The story of the braguinha’s global influence begins in 1879, when Madeiran immigrants arrived in Hawaii aboard the Ravenscrag. Among them was João Fernandes, who brought his braguinha. As Fernandes played on the docks of Honolulu, locals were enchanted by its unique sound and began referring to it as the “jumping flea”—the literal translation of “ukulele,” a reference to how the player’s fingers seemed to dance over the strings.
Hawaiian craftsmen adapted the braguinha and a similar Madeiran instrument, the rajão, to create the ukulele. Over time, the ukulele’s design evolved to suit Hawaiian preferences, but the instrument’s Madeiran roots remained embedded in its DNA.
You can see the 1920s Leonardo Nunes ukulele displayed at the Pukiki Tiki cocktail bar in Estreito da Calheta. Add this as a stop on your private tour!
Why it’s still special
While the ukulele has become a global phenomenon, the braguinha continues to hold a special place in Madeiran culture. At local festivals, it provides the lively rhythm for traditional dances. In homes, it remains a symbol of heritage, bringing a spark of joy to family celebrations and reconnecting people with their roots.
Winter evenings in Madeira often see families huddled together, sharing stories while someone strums the braguinha. The instrument’s bright tones echo Madeira’s natural beauty, from its cascading waterfalls to its terraced fields. Its presence transforms ordinary moments into cherished memories.
From Madeira to the World
The journey of the braguinha is a testament to music’s power to connect people across cultures. From its festive role in Madeiran homes to its reinvention as the ukulele in Hawaii, this little instrument has left an outsized impact on global music.
If you visit Madeira, take the opportunity to hear the braguinha live or, better yet, join in a traditional gathering where it’s played. You’ll experience not only its lively music but also the warmth and hospitality of a culture that values family, friends, and the shared joy of making music together.
You can learn more about Ukelele/Braguinha here: https://learningukulele.com/history