Traditional Fado can be sung in many different ways. The most respected names are those of Amália Rodrigues, Maria da Fé, Hermínia Silva and Argentina Santos, whilst Carlos do Carmo is one of the best-known male voices, famous for the way he sings about Lisbon.

A new generation of Fado singers have brought us fresh voices to listen to, such as Mariza, Ana Moura, Camané and António Zambujo, or also Cuca Roseta, Mísia, Carminho, Mafalda Arnauth and Katia Guerreiro. Besides these singers, there are many others who have given Fado a new contemporary feel without taking away any of its emotional appeal.

If you want to sample some of this traditional music, then the Grand Night of Fado is held every year in Lisbon and Porto. This is a very special night, which provides a showcase for new talents to perform in public and give their careers a valuable impetus.

In 2011, Fado was classified as a Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.