Travelers going to Portugal will find that the country is a delight to the senses. Our Travel Guide Portugal will introduce you to some of the things that have put Portugal on the map. As a culture that likes to enjoy life, is it any wonder that we’ll take a look at their music and their food? Their music Fado, is one of the things that makes the culture of the Portuguese unique. Since food is another aspect of the culture that is not only fun to learn about but also delicious to eat, you will learn about the bacalhau or salted cod, which is considered their national dish.

Fado: music of the people

Fado is a genre of music that is distinguished by the soulfulness and mournful quality of the sound. It is often about pain, loss, suffering or even heartbreak. However, true to the Portuguese spirit, the song is also sung with a quiet dignity as well as a wellspring of inner strength that conveys that the person will survive and make it through the ordeal, no matter what.

This genre of song and music traces its roots to the capital city of Lisbon. In its early beginnings, the songs were usually about living in poverty, or the hardship of being out at sea. It was sung by men bemoaning the travails of their hard life. It was sung by wives waiting for their mates to come home from a long sea voyage.

Fado literally translates to destiny or fate. It came from the Latin root word “fatum,” meaning fate. It is strongly linked with the Portuguese word “saudude” or loss. It is a genre of music, which is unique to the Portuguese. Scholars say that its history dates back to the early 1800’s, although some claim that its roots go as far back as the 15th century. Regardless of how old this singing style is, it remains alive and well in modern day Portugal.

A person who sings fado is called a fadista. When singing, a guitar is the musical accompaniment, usually a Portuguese guitar or even a classical guitar. Today, modern fadistas can sing it with a string quartet or even a full orchestra.

Some of the most famous fado singers are Amalia Rodrigues, Mariza, Carlos do Carmo, Cristina Branco and Mafalda Arnauth. In the 19th century, Maria Severa was the most popular fado singer. However, it is Amalia Rodrigues who carries the distinction of being the Rainha do Fado or queen of fado. It is she who introduced the world to this vocal singing style.

There are two types of fado, based on the city of origin. The first is the Lisbon style of singing. This is regarded as the more popular fado style of singing. After a performance, the audience usually claps as a sign of appreciation.

There is also the Coimbra fado, which is characterized as being more classical. Coimbra fado is sung only by men who wear robes, capes and leggings while performing. This style of singing revolves around the academic life in the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world. The themes are on student life, a bohemian way of living, discipline and love of city.

Some famous Coimbra fado singers are Antonio Menano, Augusto Hilario and Edmundo Bettencourt. Coimbra fado is often sung in city streets or in town squares. Travelers may be able to catch fado singing at the steps of the Santa Cruz Monastery. Another popular venue is the Old Cathedral of Coimbra. After a performance, the audience shows its appreciation by coughing.

Bacalhau: The National Dish

The Portuguese love dried cod fish so much, it has been said that they have found over 365 ways in cooking it, one for each day of the year. There are as many as 1000 recipes that use bacalhau as an ingredient in Portuguese cooking.

Fish is a staple in Portuguese cuisine, especially since many religious holidays forbid the consumption of meat products. As popular as this fish is, it is rarely eaten fresh, as the salted and dried version is the choice of many diners.

As early at the 16th century, the Portuguese have been catching the fish, salting and drying it. When the Portuguese discovered the New World or Newfoundland, they had to find ways to preserve fish since refrigeration did not yet exist. The codfish was so commonly eaten, that it earned the moniker “fiel amigo” or faithful friend.

It is said that the Portuguese learned the fish drying methods from merchants who brought the fish to Europe from Kristiansund in Norway. The Portuguese quickly took to the preparation method, which is still done to this day.

A number of Portuguese dishes incorporate bacalhau as an ingredient. Some popular dishes include Bacalhau com todos, Bacalhau a Bras, Bacalhau-Lagosta (bacalhau and lobster), Bacalhau a Gomes de Sa and Bacalhau com natas (bacalhau with cream). In bars, bolinhos de bacalhau or deep fried balls can be found and goes excellent with beer. Many consider it a delicacy and prepare it during special holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

Travelers who want to enjoy a serving of bacalhau will find that is it served with potatoes. Also, it is accompanied with a glass of wine. Travelers can find these and many more dishes at a number of restaurants in Portugal.