Fado in Portugal

Fado is perhaps the music genre which is most synonymous with Portugal.  And, Fado in Portugal, is just as popular today as it was when it came to prominence in the early 19th century.

The mournful style of singing, accompanied by a Portuguese guitar, traditionally denoted the tales of sailors (marinheiros) and later the struggles of the poor folk.

However today just about every subject you could imagine is included in the lyrics of Fado songs. Originally Fado was sung exclusively in Lisbon, though thanks to it's popularity now it can now be heard in cafes, bars, restaurants and theatres up and down the country.

Fado is actually so popular in Portugal venues are sold out almost immediately when internationally recognised artistes such as Mariza, globally known as the queen of fado, announce an engagement.

As mesmerising and entertaining as Mariza's doleful recitation of fado is  you don't have to break the bank on tickets if you want to listen to Fado in Portugal. 

You can on a day trip to either Lisbon or Coimbra probably manage to find a cafe or restaurant where there will be live Fado music and on some occasions entry will be free. Outside of these two cities, which define the distinct types of the music genre, you will no doubt have the same opportunity to listen to local singers, though there will probably be a small surcharge.

Although Fado originated in Lisbon, the third city of Portugal, Coimbra has also developed it's own variety of the Fado and strangely enough is consider the more classical of the two. Usually you will find the Coimbra version of Fado is performed solely by men wearing black suits whereas in Lisbon Fado has become more mainstream, performed by pop stars and classical artistes alike.

Such is the impact Fado has had on the Portuguese nation and it's identity the musical genre is currently being considered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Educational Organisation (UNESCO) for recognition as an intangible heritage award. In light of this candidature the Museum of Fado in Lisbon is holding an exhibition, Echoes of Fado until 17th September 2011.

However personally have listened to fado in Portugal both in Coimbra and Lisbon can say the hairs on the back of my neck only stood to attention at the rendition of a traditional song courtesy of our neighbour near to Abrantes.

Though not classically or musically trained his rendition was superb and the haunting melodies echoed around the surrounding valley creating quite an eerie effect, perhaps reminiscent of the origins of Fado.