It’s been six years since November 27, 2011, when UNESCO recognized fado as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. To celebrate this important date, we’re going to explore a lesser-known side of this symbol of Portuguese culture: its diversity of styles. Did you know that there are over a hundred different styles of fado? Today, we’re going to get to know some of the most iconic ones and understand how each tells a unique story of Portugal’s musical tradition.

1 – Fado do Marinheiro (Sailor’s Fado)

Fado do Marinheiro is considered the first style to ever exist. Originating from Portuguese ships, it was sung by sailors on the bow of boats, often accompanied by sea shanties and other songs common among crews. This style served as the basis for the first fados, and although we don’t know exactly when it was brought from the waters to the streets of Portugal, we know it represents the longing and harsh life of sailors.

Fado do Marinheiro is still celebrated today for being the starting point of a musical tradition that has spanned generations. Its simple yet profound melody reveals life at sea, the hopes, and anxieties of those who live at the mercy of the waves.

2 – Fado de Coimbra (Coimbra Fado)

Fado de Coimbra is perhaps one of the most romantic and melancholic styles of the fado tradition. It emerged as an academic version, sung by university students. In Coimbra, young people from other cities like Lisbon and Porto brought their guitars and started singing about unrequited love, the sadness of leaving the city, and, of course, the bohemian life of university youth.

To this day, it’s part of the most important academic celebrations in the city, such as the Queima das Fitas. Its main characteristic is that it’s almost always accompanied by a Coimbra guitar, instead of the traditional Portuguese guitar. This style is synonymous with longing and nostalgia, with lyrics that talk about love and goodbyes.

3 – Fado de Lisboa (Lisbon Fado)

Fado de Lisboa is what everyone imagines when they think of fado. This style, which emerged in Lisbon’s taverns and brothels in the 19th century, is characterized by the expression of longing and melancholy typical of Lisbon’s traditional neighborhoods. The history of this style is marked by the figure of Maria Severa Onofriana, one of the first fadistas to gain fame, who sang about the life of the working class, with themes like jealousy, nostalgia, and suffering.

Today, this style is still sung in the fado houses of Alfama, Bairro Alto, Mouraria, or Madragoa, where tourists and locals gather to appreciate this genuinely Portuguese tradition. The authenticity of Fado de Lisboa lies in its ability to capture the emotions of everyday life and interpersonal relationships, making it a true representation of the city’s soul.

4 – Fado Vadio (Wandering Fado)

Fado Vadio goes beyond concerts and professional performances. This style is often associated with amateur singers who don’t seek fame or profit but simply want to express their emotions through music. This style is a form of spontaneous expression, where the art of fado mixes with the genuine desire to share personal feelings, without any commercial pressure.

Although Fado Vadio has often been considered a minor style compared to others, it’s its authenticity and connection to popular tradition that make it so important. Many professional fadistas started in this style, where music is experienced in a purer and freer way.

5 – Fado Corrido (Fast Fado)

Lastly, Fado Corrido is one of the oldest styles, whose popularity dates back to the late 19th century. It’s characterized by a simple melody, composed of only two chords, which distinguishes it from other styles. This style is often described as the accompaniment to the fadista’s singing, more fluid and light, and musicians often do it in an improvised way.

This style continues to be popular in some regions of Portugal, particularly in rural areas, where its simplicity and ease of execution make it accessible to everyone. Although less elaborate than other styles, Fado Corrido preserves the essence of fado, with its emotional depth and ability to tell life stories.

Conclusion

Fado is a living and constantly evolving art, but with deep roots in Portuguese history and culture. From the Sailor’s Fado, born on the Atlantic waves, to the Fado de Lisboa, which echoes through the streets of Alfama, each style brings a unique story. Today, we celebrate not only fado as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity but also the richness and diversity of a music that, above all, expresses the soul of the Portuguese people.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is fado music?

A: Fado is a traditional Portuguese music style that originated in Lisbon and is characterized by soulful, melancholic melodies and lyrics that often express longing and nostalgia.

Q: How many styles of fado are there?

A: There are over a hundred different styles of fado, each with its unique characteristics and history.

Q: What is the most popular style of fado?

A: Fado de Lisboa is one of the most well-known and popular styles of fado, but other styles, such as Fado de Coimbra and Fado do Marinheiro, are also highly regarded and celebrated.