Fado Named Cultural Patrimony by UNESCO

Fado Named Cultural Patrimony by UNESCO

Fado, the traditional music of Portugal, has been named one of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritages for humanity on the last Saturday the 27th November 2011 The announcement was made last weekend after much effort on the part of the Portuguese delegation to ensure the committee from the United Nations gathered on the island of Bali in Indonesia, was well aware of the importance of the haunting, soulful music. The intangible heritage declaration recognizes skills and traditions that are passed on within a culture and form part of its living legacy. Lisbon Mayor António Costa attended the final ceremony that settled on the decision to name Fado as one of the intangibles. The Coimbra blend of Fado was not considered in this designation, as it is a separate art form.