The city of Porto offers a variety of shows and experiences for those who enjoy Fado. Its houses, spread throughout the heart of the city, promise tourists and residents the best traditional fado singing around.
Whether it’s in the evening with a traditional concert, during dinner with live shows or even during a Fado Vadio show, these venues are home to the best fado singers and guitarists in town.
Fado should be heard in silence
As fado is essentially an auditory experience, its shows should be listened to in silence. The noise created by people’s voices during shows can reduce the quality of the music and damage the intimate relationship that is created between the fado singer and the audience in most venues.
In addition, background noise can confuse both the fado singer and the guitarists who create the melodies. The noise can also disturb those who enjoy this kind of show in silence.
Use of cell phones
Although the use of cell phones is permitted during fado shows, the audience must ensure that the devices are on silent. If you want to take a photo or make a recording, make sure the flash is off.
The audience should be aware that continuous use of cell phones during a show can be seen as disrespectful to the fado singers, so they should do so in moderation.
Clapping
Contrary to what happens during traditional Portuguese music concerts, in fado shows it is not advisable for the audience to accompany the fado singer with claps. This act can be detrimental when it comes to creating a relationship between the fado singer and the audience and can confuse the artists who are performing the rhythm.
The audience is therefore advised to clap only at the end of each song to show that they are enjoying the show.
Singing with the fado singer
Unless the fado singer asks the audience to accompany him during a song, this practice is not recommended. This is because the sound of the audience singing can interfere with the fado singers’ interpretations.