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| The regular mainstay of traditional and uniquely Portuguese pass-times is the singing of Fado. It has been said that this is the Portuguese version of the blues, vocalists being accompanied usually by two guitars, one Spanish and one Portuguese (which resembles some kind of complicated medieval lute!). |
| Fado, although somewhat melancholic (like the blues) is also quite beautiful to listen to and furthermore, it is an activity in which many Portuguese actively participate from the local bank-manager to the humble shepherd. There will be at least one Fado venue and often more, in most towns – usually they are fairly intimate restaurants with guitar players in residence who provide the accompaniment for anyone who wants to get up and give his turn. |
| But, Fado is taken very seriously and renditions of traditional Fado songs are more often than not beautifully sung and with great passion. An evening of Fado will frequently continue almost until dawn. For the visitor, Fado really has to be looked for and so enquiries will have to be made at the tourist information office, but, better still, find a kindly citizen to advise on the best places to experience this event and it takes place not just all over the Algarve, but all over Portugal. |
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Algarve Guide