Fado is a traditional Portuguese music genre that originated in Lisbon in the early 19th century. It is characterized by its melancholic and soulful melodies, often accompanied by a guitarra portuguesa (Portuguese guitar) and a classical guitar. Fado is often performed in intimate settings such as cafes and restaurants, where the singer (known as a fadista) conveys themes of love, loss, and longing through their powerful and emotional vocals. The lyrics of fado songs typically reflect the hardships and struggles of everyday life, making it a deeply expressive and heartfelt music genre. Lisbon is known as the heart of fado, with numerous fado houses and venues where visitors can experience this unique and emotional musical tradition. Some of the most famous fado singers, such as Amália Rodrigues and Mariza, have hailed from Lisbon and helped to popularize fado both in Portugal and around the world.