From the Latin word fatum, or destiny, fado captures the essence of Portuguese life, having been classified as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. During approximately 45 minutes, you will learn about the authentic music and most authentic expression of popular Portuguese culture, conjuring up the sense of saudade, or nostalgia, that we are bound to feel when we think back to our visit to the enchanting country of Portugal. Originating in the popular context of 19th-century Lisbon, fado was present in moments of celebration and leisure. Starting spontaneously, it was performed indoors or outdoors, in gardens, bullfights, retreats, streets and alleyways, taverns, and cafes. The internationalization of fado was consolidated in the 1950s, surpassing cultural and language barriers thanks to Amália Rodrigues in particular. For decades and until her death in 1999, Amália Rodrigues was a national and international star of fado. Fado contributorss included a range of guitarists and violists across generations—Petrolino, Armandinho, Piscalarete, Salvador Freire, Artur Paredes, Raul Nery, Fontes Rocha, Jaime Santos, and António Chainho. The most genial of all, Carlos Paredes is considered one of the best Portuguese composers.