Fado: The Music of Portugal

A Brief History of Fado

The origins of Fado are complex and multicultural. It emerged from a mix of Afro-Brazilian sung dances, rural Portuguese music, and urban song styles from the early 19th century. While its precise roots remain debated, most agree that Fado began to take shape in the Lisbon neighborhood of Alfama –– still considered its spiritual home.

The word “fado” means fate or destiny. Its lyrics often speak of longing, heartbreak, saudade (a uniquely Portuguese feeling of nostalgic yearning), and the ups and downs of everyday life.

But Fado is not just sadness. There’s joy, humor, and celebration too.

In 2011, UNESCO recognised Fado as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, cementing its status as a vital expression of Portuguese identity.

You’ll find Fado in small casas de fado (Fado houses) across Lisbon, especially in Alfama and Bairro Alto. These are intimate settings where the singer, usually dressed in black, performs with deep emotion, accompanied by a classical guitar and a Portuguese guitarra.

The Portuguese Guitar

A central element of Fado is the guitarra portuguesa –– a 12-string, pear-shaped instrument unique to Portugal. There are three main types:

• Lisbon: Smaller and more rounded, producing a brighter sound.
• Coimbra: Larger and more pointed in shape, with a darker tone.
• Porto: Similar to the Lisbon style.

The guitar’s distinct tone is instantly recognisable and carries the emotional weight of the music. Artists like Marta Pereira da Costa –– Portugal’s first and only professional female Fado guitarist –– have helped bring the instrument and the genre to new audiences around the world.

Voices of Fado: Past and Present

Fado has been shaped by powerful voices and artistic innovation. Some of the most notable figures include:

Fadistas Clássicos e Fundamentais:

• Amália Rodrigues: Known as the Queen of Fado, she took the genre global and remains a beloved cultural icon.
• Carlos do Carmo: The “Ambassador of Fado,” who modernized the genre by integrating new instruments and styles.

Nomes da Nova Geração e Contemporâneos:

• Mariza: One of today’s most famous fadistas, blending traditional and contemporary Fado.
• Camané: A master of classic Fado, respected for his emotional depth.
• Ana Moura: Brings a modern sensibility to her performances while honoring Fado’s roots.
• Carminho: Carries on the tradition through the lineage of her mother, Teresa Siqueira.
• António Zambujo: Known for his light touch and modern take on Fado.

Outras Figuras Importantes:

• Carlos Paredes: A legendary guitarist and composer whose instrumental Fado elevated the genre.
• Mário Pacheco: Renowned for his work at Clube de Fado in Lisbon and contributions to the genre’s development.

Fado in Popular Culture

The phrase “Cheira bem, cheira a Lisboa” (It smells good, it smells like Lisbon) became iconic after being sung by Amália Rodrigues in the 1947 film Capas Negras. This song, which evokes the charm of Lisbon’s streets and festivals, remains part of the cultural imagination and adds to Fado’s romantic aura.

Conclusion

Fado is not just a song. It’s a way of feeling.

It tells the stories of a people marked by voyages, returns, hopes, and heartbreaks.

Whether you hear it in a small Lisbon tavern or on a global stage, Fado invites you into the emotional world of Portugal. And once you’ve heard it, it’s hard to forget. It lingers –– like saudade –– in your soul.

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