*Photos by Rita Ansone*
Fado is beautiful, traditional music played in Portugal since the early 1800s. It was typically performed in restaurants and pubs by the working class, addressing the struggles and hardships they faced in their daily lives. Its sound can be characterized by the Portuguese word saudade. Saudade is a melancholic longing for a person or thing that is absent from your life. Typically, there is a singer accompanied by a guitar, viola, and/or bass. Historically, Fado was often sung amongst sailors, prostitutes and bohemians.
When visiting Portugal, hearing a Fado performance is a must. This evocative music makes for an amazing evening and helps you experience Portuguese culture. There are many Fado houses in Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra. Many of the famous performers got their start in the Lisbon neighborhood of Mouraria. If you go to Mouraria you can see pictures of famous Fado singers along the walls as a tribute.
We were lucky enough to meet Rodrigo Costa Felix (pictured below), who runs Fado ao Carmo alongside guitarist Luis Guerreiro, just steps away from the beautiful Carmo square in Lisbon. Rodrigo has been singing Fado since the age of 17, he has sung in Fado houses in Portugal as well as in concerts around the world.
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*Photos by Rita Ansone*
Fado ao Carmo is an unforgettable experience when visiting Lisbon. The food consists of a delicious three-course menu made up of traditional dishes made from Portuguese products with a modern twist. We love Fado ao Carmo in particular because of its charming neighborhood feel, and because you finish the night with the feeling that you have spent the evening with friends. You can often find Rodrigo greeting guests as they arrive, and the Fado performance takes place amongst the diners for a truly unforgettable experience.
Join us for a fantastic evening of Fado at Fado ao Carmo on our Best of Portugal tour!
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*Photos by Rita Ansone*