Beyond Sight and Sound: Fado of Coimbra, Intangible Heritage with Touristic Value

On June 22nd, 2013, the University of Coimbra - Alta and Sofia was classified as a World Heritage Site. The World Heritage Committee added a sixth criterion to the Unesco list, distinguishing a particular cultural asset "directly or tangibly associated with a set of events, living traditions, ideas or beliefs, with aesthetic or literary works of outstanding universal significance": Fado of Coimbra. Over time, this tradition has proven to be an aesthetic expression of lyricism and musicality and, together with a culture devoted to the dissemination of knowledge and the Portuguese language, it has made an inestimable contribution to the distinction awarded to the University of Coimbra. This paper analyses the Fado of Coimbra and addresses its cultural value, its relationship to the heritage of the city and its economic potential in the global tourism market. Through bibliographical research, documental research and direct observation, this paper reflects on the origin of this musical genre, and its specific characteristics as well as its debated relationship to Lisbon Fado, as it investigates the social history and the evolution of Fado of Coimbra.