Cante Alentejano
Cante Alentejano is a style of choral singing in which two solo voices (
ponto and
alto) in a choral group alternate with the other voices of the choir. Stanzas are repeated in a cycle, which goes on for as many rounds as the singers desire. This repetition, coupled with the slow tempo and multiple pauses, lends
cante a particular uniformity that is exquisite.
The themes of the songs, which are sung by groups of men or women, are typically mournful. In
Cante Alentejano, songs speak often of melancholy, deep longing, love, desires and memories of the land of Alentejo.
But Alentejo and cante can be joyful too, with songs of irony and humour. Whatever the case may be, vibrant voices have been enchanting listeners for centuries. As for the origins of cante alentejano, be it Gregorian chant or Arabic chant, they remain unconfirmed.
More information
The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet is a social practice based on a set of skills, knowledge, rituals and traditions, ranging from landscape to cuisine, that have developed within the Mediterranean basin, including farming, harvesting, fishing, conservation, processing, food preparation and, most notably, consumption. This set of practices is linked to an annual cyclical calendar marked by nature and its religious or ritual meanings.
From a nutritional standpoint, the diet has been recognised for its excellence by the World Health Organization (WHO) and FAO.
More information