World Music Day: A melodious fusion of Portugal's 'fado' in Goa

CULTURAL SHOWCASE

The cultural fabric of Goa is made up of a variety of music and dance styles, many of which exhibit Portuguese influences. And, one of these is the fado.

SOUNDS OF PORTUGAL

The fado is a genre of music found in Portugal, and has a distinct melancholy style.

WHERE TO HEAR IT

This music, which emerged in the 19^th century in Portugal, is associated with pubs and cafés. However, in Goa, it can only be experienced at curated events in places such as Solar Loiola Pereira in Benaulim.

BEHIND THE MELODY

A fado performance typically features a vocalist, accompanied by the guitarra Portuguesa (Portuguese guitar) and the viola do fado (fado guitar).

LOCAL TOUCH

In Goa, the ghumot (a local mud percussion instrument) is often included in a fado performance. 

VOICES OF GOA

Sonia Shirsat and Nadia Rebelo, with their melodious voices, have gained fame as fadistas from Goa.

FADING FADO

Fado was once popular in Goa. But, since Liberation in 1961, it has been on the decline, just like so many other traditions of the land.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION

In November 2011, fado was included in the UNESCO Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

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