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.