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Flamenco Versus Fado: A Comprehensive Guide

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Flamenco Versus Fado: A Comprehensive Guide

American travelers to the Iberian Peninsula may be unfamiliar with the music and dance forms of flamenco and fado. Both of these are deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Spain and Portugal respectively. Taking in a flamenco or fado show can be a highlight of any trip to the region. They have some similarities, for example they are both rooted in folk music and are emotionally charged art forms. Yet the two are also very different, with flamenco being far more extravagant and fierier than the soulful fado. To understand the essence of flamenco versus fado, we will delve into the origins and characteristics of both.

Origins and History of Flamenco

Flamenco is the most popular and well-known music genre in Spain, most commonly identified by its dance style. It is recognized as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and has spread throughout the country, far beyond its roots in the southern region of Andalusia.

Synonymous with passion and intensity, the origins of flamenco can be traced back to the 18th century and a mix of cultures, including Gypsies, Moors, Jews and native Andalusians. It is this blend that has combined such a myriad of performance styles into one – a typical flamenco show will include singing, guitar, dance, and rhythmic clapping.

It is surprising to note given its modern popularity that flamenco was initially a fringe art form. It was a means of expression for gypsy communities who used it to tell of their struggles and life stories. However, the golden age of flamenco began in the 19th century, when tablao’s, a form of traditional live music café, began to spring up all over Spain. 

Origins and History of Fado

It is said that fado comes from within the very soul of the Portuguese, and this mournful, emotional music style is certainly a contrast from the energy and passion of flamenco. However, like flamenco, fado is recognized by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Fado involves a singer known as a fadista. They are typically draped in a shawl and accompanied by a Portuguese guitar. Fado emerged in the working-class neighborhoods of the capital, Lisbon, during the 19th century. These areas were home to large minority groups, and fado has roots in African, Moorish and Brazilian music. One such area was Alfama, which is today home to the Fado Museum, well worth a visit for anyone interested in learning more about the origins of fado.

Fado was generally performed in small tavernas to an intimate crowd, allowing the emotion to come through to audiences. It was with the emergence of Amalia Rodrigues in the 1950s that fado’s popularity soared; she remains the best-selling Portuguese artist in history. 

Characteristics of Flamenco

The dance aspect of flamenco is the most unique part of the art form. Known as baile, it is characterized by intricate footwork, rapid movements and intensity. Dancers often wear traditional clothing, with colorful dresses for women and tailored vests and trousers for men.

The music of flamenco is based around the guitar, and singing is raw, emotional, and often improvised. In fact, professional flamenco artists are able to improvise their entire show, with dancers and musicians responding to each other in real time.

Characteristics of Fado

Fado too is a largely improvised art form, however this is where the similarities end. Whilst flamenco performers will fly around a stage with a pulsating energy, fado performers will remain still. The music is far more restrained and stripped back, with a focus purely on the voice of the fadista. The Portuguese guitar makes a unique, mournful sound that fuels the emotion of a fado performance.

The atmosphere at a fado show is important. Often held in dimly lit rooms, audiences typically keep quiet, compared to the more jovial atmosphere one can expect at a flamenco show. And performers generally wear black, as a symbol of mourning.

What to Expect from a show 

Visiting a flamenco show in Spain is strongly recommended. Seville, Jerez, Granada and Madrid are some of the best places to enjoy an evening in a tablao, or a larger theater. Typically, a flamenco show lasts for around an hour, and it is possible to enjoy dinner and drinks while you watch.

In Portugal, casas de fado are common in big cities such as Porto and Lisbon. Typically small, dim venues, dinner is often included in the cost of a show. Expect a far more subdued atmosphere at a fado show than a flamenco show. You may feel moved, even emotional as the soulful voice of the fadista echoes around the room.

So, Flamenco Versus Fado: Which Should you Watch?

For travelers looking for an energetic, vibrant and passionate show, Spanish flamenco shows are sure to delight. You will find yourself tapping your feet and in awe of the dancers as they throw themselves around the stage.

If you are after a calmer, more introspective experience, then a fado show in Portugal can be extremely captivating. What fado lacks in energy, it makes up for with emotion, and the intimate setting of a fado show offers a unique and authentic cultural Portuguese experience.

We recommend travelers experience both flamenco and fado on a trip to Spain and Portugal. These two art forms are so different that there is no need to choose between them.