Monte Horizonte

Heritage until August 31st, since Fado faces the risk of loosing its identity from 2 centuries ago and they also defend to create museums and archives and introduce Fado in the schools curriculums. Portugal will apply to the United Nations to have the Fado declared World Heritable next year, according to Portugal’s U.N. ambassador, Manuel Maria Carrilho. The application is anticipated as being approved by the end of 2010. Carrilho credits the work of the City of Lisbon and professor Rui Vieira Nery for six years of preparation for the application. He spoke at the opening of Amália, Coração Independente at Lisbon’s Belem Cultural Center. Fado an ancient song that often expresses deep-seated feelings, disappointment in love, the sense of sadness and longing for someone who has gone away, everyday events, the ups and downs of life – inspiration for Fado can come from almost any source. Fado is a symbol of Portugal, a celebrated form of world music that has retained its traditional qualities but evolved with the times. Amália Rodriques brought Fado to the great concert halls of Europe and the attention of international audiences in the 1950s and 1960s.  Today, Fadista Mariza, who continues to tour overseas, taking the Fado to an even wider audience.  The more popular forms of Fado are found in the cities near the sea, such as Lisbon or Porto, and  in the Alentejo and Ribatejo too. Coimbra has given the music its own unique feel, making it popular among students.