Portugal has, in its cultural heritage, a very genuine musical expression, unique in the world, the “Cante Alentejano” (Alentejo Song), now recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Sung in choir and without any use of musical instruments, by groups of men and women, the “Cante Alentejano” is a popular manifestation which is a feature of several municipalities in the district of Beja, in the region historically known as Baixo Alentejo. However, it was the Municipality of Serpa which took the initiative to register it as World Heritage in conjunction with the Alentejo Regional Tourism Entity.
Although it is currently maintained by choral groups, some of them already centenarians, it always happened in informal contexts, while working in the field or during times of celebration. The lyrics speak of feelings and everyday moments.
More information available in Visit Portugal.