The "branda" is the place where one spends time during the summer, the time of the year when the weather is smoother (brando), as opposed to the winter time, when the shepherds return to their homes in the village. Hence, during the hot summer months the lowest altitudes become available for sowing corn and beans. The brandeiros tradition was at risk during the 60s and 70s, the epoch with the most migration. Later on, many have returned to Gave and to the Branda.