Looking for a regional identity in the Portuguese national framework: the case of Leiria
Fernando Magalh?es

Abstract
In this text we intend to reflect on central concepts of the anthropological discourse such as community, heritage and identity, in the context of the Portuguese region of Leiria. There would be so much to debate about those concepts, so often criticized for having led to the entrapment of entire peoples in geographic territories, holders ofa unique and an immutable identity. Stereotypes were thus created about these people, far from their social and cultural reality. In opposition, we intend to think about the Leiriaregion as a symbolic space in permanent identity construction, seeking its affirmation in Portugal and in the globalized world.

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