Fado Festival: A Cultural Celebration in Rabat

On September 10 and 11, 2026, the National Theatre Mohammed V in Rabat will play host to the ninth edition of the Fado Festival, a vibrant ambassador of Portuguese music around the globe. After captivating audiences in 21 major cities across Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia, this traveling festival makes a stop in Morocco’s capital for two nights filled with emotion, poetry, and the deep sense of 'saudade' that characterizes this unique musical genre.

Originating in the working-class neighborhoods of Lisbon, Fado embodies more than just a musical style; it represents the soul of Portugal, a way to express the world and the bittersweet nostalgia inherent in Portuguese identity. Since its inception in Madrid, the Fado Festival has celebrated this living tradition, returning to Morocco for its consecutive ninth edition and sixteenth globally.

This year, the festival will delve into the theme of "Fado and the Neighborhoods of Lisbon," exploring iconic areas such as Alfama, Mouraria, Bairro Alto, and Madragoa—places steeped in the collective memory of Lisbon where this urban musical tradition was born and nurtured. Attendees can look forward to a program that serves as a journey through a lyrical Lisbon, blending heritage with contemporary creation. The lineup includes two concerts, a conference, and a film screening, all centered around this captivating theme.

A Rich Program of Events

On the evening of Thursday, September 10, the festivities will kick off at 6:30 PM with a conference led by Rodrigo Costa Félix, a singer, songwriter, and producer, who will share his insights on the connection between Fado and the neighborhoods of Lisbon. At 8 PM, the stage will be graced by Teresinha Landeiro, a prominent figure of the new generation of Fado artists who breathes new life into the genre without straying from its roots. Following her previous works—Namoro (2018), Agora (2021), and Para dançar e para chorar (2024)—Landeiro is currently on a Scandinavian tour and preparing a new album that she is producing herself.

The following evening, Friday, September 11, will commence with a screening of the documentary "Do Bairro," directed by Portuguese filmmaker Diogo Varela Silva, which provides an intimate look into the history and spirit of Lisbon's neighborhoods. At 8 PM, the concert titled "The Neighborhoods of Lisbon" will feature performances by Rodrigo Costa Félix and Ana Margarida Prado, taking the audience on a musical journey through the winding streets of Alfama, the memories of Mouraria, the nightlife of Bairro Alto, and the intimacy of Madragoa. Each song will serve as a sonic portrait of these places where music has become synonymous with belonging and tradition.

The Fado Festival also acts as a cultural bridge between Portugal and Morocco. As highlighted by Rodrigo Costa Félix, it offers a unique opportunity to share Portuguese culture with the Moroccan audience, emphasizing the historical, political, and cultural ties that unite the two nations.

Event Details:

  • Date: September 10 and 11, 2026
  • Location: National Theatre Mohammed V, Rabat
  • Program:
    • Thursday, September 10: Conference at 6:30 PM, Concert by Teresinha Landeiro at 8 PM
    • Friday, September 11: Documentary Screening at 6:30 PM, Concert "The Neighborhoods of Lisbon" at 8 PM
  • Ticket Price: 100 DH per evening
  • Tickets available at Guichet.com

As reported by leseco.ma.