Portugal Traditional music and dance

Portuguese music reflects its rich history and privileged geographical location. These are evidenced in the music history of Portugal, which despite its firm European roots, nevertheless reflects the intercontinental cultural interactions begun in the Portuguese discoveries. The music of Portugal includes many different styles and genres: Classical music Traditional / folk music Popular music

Traditional / folk music

Fado Born in the streets of old Lisbon in the early 19 th century, and today the tradition is very much alive. In bars, where the music is always present, you can listen to strong-voiced singers and skilled guitarists.Origins There are many theories of fado’s origins, including links with Portugal’s maritime history. However, many argue that fado contains influences from Portugal’s African and South American colonial empire, with traces of traditional dance music such as the fofa and lundum, and also a strong hint of Portugal’s poetic and literary legacy. Fado exists as a way of expressing all concerns and the way of spirit of the population.

Ancient part of the city. Main characteristic: sadness and a feeling of past and present heartbreaks (but it can tell us a funny story, too) Reflects the spirit of the Lisbon people. Lisbon Higher and romantic style. Connected to the academic traditions of Coimbra University. Exclusively sung by men. Themes: students' love and the love for the city. Coimbra

Fado singers Amália Rodrigues Mariza António Zambujo

New bands / Singers O’questrada Deolinda

The Gift Rio Grande Xutos & Pontapés GNR D.A.M.A

David Fonseca Rita Redshoes

Festivals…in Barcelos

…in Portugal

Traditional Dances Each region of Portugal has its own style of dance and songs with the most traditional tunes played. Some of the best examples of the regional dances are: vira, malhão, chula, corridinho, tirana and fandango, where couples perform a lively dance usually to a fast beat of hand- clapping, guitars and accordions.

Many of these dances reflect the courting and matrimonial traditions of the area and are often passionate and exciting to watch. During many of these traditional dances, people dress up in a variety of ways ranging from working clothes to colourful costumes

Acordeão (accordion) Bombo (drum) Chincalho Cavaquinho Traditional Instruments Guitarra Portuguesa

In each song, In each song, a message… a message…

Political Music Music has also had an important role in Portuguese politics. After about 60 years living under the burden of a dictatorship, there was a revolution in Portugal – the “ Carnation Revolution”- on the 25th April 1974.

Political Music There were two songs: “E depois do adeus” “Grândola Vila Morena” which were played on the radio as signals (code) for the military officers to start the coup that would lead to the beginning of a democratic regime in Portugal. Zeca Afonso Paulo de Carvalho