At nightfall, the University Orfeão of Porto comes to life amidst rehearsals, socialising, and tradition. By embracing traditional dances and songs, students keep Portuguese culture alive.
From Fado to Tunas, tradition meets academic spirit at the University Orfeão of Porto
Friday, 17 April 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
Fado is a traditional Portuguese music genre characterized by melancholic singing and themes of longing and fate, with distinct Lisbon and Coimbra styles; it was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2011. For expats, fado is both a living cultural tradition and a common tourist experience — attending a small fado house in Lisbon or Coimbra offers insight into Portuguese history, language and social life.
