There are many Fado artists, poets and musicians from Porto, such as Tony de Matos, Beatriz da Conceição, Maria da Fé, Lenita Gentil, Florencia, Pedro Homem de Melo, António Torre da Guia or Fontes Rocha, just a few examples that reflect the importance not only of Porto but also of the rest of the country in the history of the national song that is Fado.
Fado has always been heard in appropriate places, such as taverns, taverns, collectives and of course the famous and traditional Fado Houses where Fado is treated with the utmost rigor and ceremony, a true celebration.
Casas de Fado are recognized as the most appropriate place to attend an evening of old-fashioned Fado. There are a number of rules that must not be broken in Fado: There is no amplification, silence is a determining factor, there is no service during the performances, the lights are lowered and you don’t move around the room, nor should you be interrupted. The performances alternate between the various artists, interspersed with moments when the normal catering service takes place. As D. Amalia used to say: Fado can’t be explained, it can be felt… there’s a consensus that it’s in the Fado houses where Fado is best felt and where it really happens. In true Portuguese tradition, Fado has always been accompanied by wine and snacks by candlelight. It is worth noting that it was the characteristic Fado of the Fado Houses that was voted Intangible Heritage of Humanity. In 1968, history was made because D. Heitor Gil de Vilhena made a pact with fado, thus creating the cathedral of fado in Porto, Casa da Mariquinhas.
Casa da Mariquinhas is located in the heart of the city, in the typical Sé district, opposite the Arco de Santana, immortalized by Garrett, and at the foot of the Cathedral. With 52 years of history, this mythical venue exudes Fado through the pores of its granite walls. All the great names of national Fado have passed through here and continue to do so. Without microphones, with the greatest intimacy and proximity to the public, Casa da Mariquinhas is the ideal place to enjoy the best Fado that is sung and played in Porto, accompanied by the best traditional Portuguese cuisine by Chef. Sandra Santos and the best nectars from our Douro region. A visit to this establishment, recognized as being of historical and cultural interest, is a must for anyone coming to Porto.
Adelino Duvall