1820s – 2020sPeak: 1950s
Fado
About Fado
Born in Lisbon's working-class neighborhoods in the early 19th century, fado is Portugal's most iconic musical form. Rooted in saudade (a deep longing for something absent) it blends Portuguese guitar, classical guitar, and intensely emotional vocals. UNESCO inscribed fado as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011.