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 authentic traditional Fado. Whether it’s an evening concert, dinner with live performances, or a Fado Vadio session, these venues are home to some of Porto’s best fadistas and guitarists.
Listen in silence
Fado should be an intimate experience where you connect with the artists, so shows should be listened to in silence. Background conversation reduces the music’s quality and breaks that connection. Noise can also confuse the singers and guitarists, and it disturbs those around you who came to listen.
Use of cell phones
You can use your phone during shows, but keep it on silent. Photos and videos are usually fine—just turn off the flash. Be aware that constant phone use during a performance comes across as disrespectful to the artists, so use it sparingly.
Clapping
Unlike other Portuguese music concerts, don’t clap along to the rhythm during Fado. This disrupts the relationship between fadista and audience and can throw off the musicians’ timing. Save your applause for the end of each song — that’s when you show you’re enjoying the performance.
Singing along
Singing along it’s not recommended, unless the fadista specifically asks you to. Your voice, even if well-intentioned, interferes with the artist’s interpretation.
For more information about Fado in Porto, including where to go and what to expect, see this guide.