Traditional Singing
Traditional Singing (Cante Alentejano) is probably the highest cultural heritage of the Municipality of Cuba, considered the “Cathedral of Traditional Singing”.
In spite of the several theories that try to explain the origin of this peculiar way of singing (some state its origin in Gregorian chant, others support that it came from the Arabs) there is still no final conclusion, since historical documentation is not proof enough. It is certain, however, that this form of vocal expression is clearly related to the field work and the evening meetings, in the taverns, places of excellence to create the songs of Alentejo.
Local Songbook
Choral Group “Os Ceifeiros de Cuba” (The Reapers of Cuba)
This group was created by Antonio Luis Fialho in 1933. The creation of this Group exceeded the goals of protection and maintenance of Cante Alentejano, in order to establish a symbolic link with the writer who would be the patron of the Group: Fialho de Almeida. The name of the Group was inspired in his text, “Reapers”.
Nowadays it is managed by Master Ermelindo Galinho and has spread the name of Cuba around the country as well as abroad.
Contacts:
96 482 96 35 [José Roque] / 96 616 34 59 [Manuel Costa]
E-mail: ceifeirosdacuba@gmail.com
Choral Group “Amigos do Cante” (Friends of Traditional Singing)
This group was created in June 1986. It began with a group of friends, hence the name “Friends of Traditional Singing”. With its performances, the group has spread the name of Cuba and Alentejo, from north to south of Portugal.
The songs have popular roots and are, therefore, a natural manifestation of popular feelings. They are an accurate portrayal of these people’s everyday life and their feelings: joy, sorrow, love, longing…
Contactos:
Contacts:
284 412 426 [Head of the Group: Augusto Duarte]
Rua Luís de Camões, Nb. 28 – 7940, Cuba
Choral Group “S. Luís de Faro do Alentejo” (St. Louis of Faro do Alentejo)
The group was founded by the Parish Council of Faro do Alentejo in order to stimulate and spread this traditional singing as part of Alentejo’s culture.
Contacts:
284 412 487 [Head of the Group: Francisco Cardoso]
Largo da Praça – 7940, Faro do Alentejo
Choral groups: “Flores do Alentejo” (Flowers of Alentejo), “As Ceifeiras do Alentejo” (The Reapers of Alentejo” and “As Amigas do Campo” (The Friends of the Field)
They are all women’s groups and their singing is a delight to our senses. They sing songs that express feelings (love, passion, sorrow). They are known in all Alentejo by showing their own syllabic style and by respecting the characteristics of the left bank of the Guadiana’s singing.
Contacts:
Grupo Coral “Flores do Alentejo” – Choral Group “Flowers of Alentejo” | Tel 284 412 535 [Head of the Group: Clemência Damião]
Rua do Touril, 3 – 7940, Cuba
Grupo Coral “As Ceifeiras do Alentejo“ – Choral Group “The Reapers of Alentejo” | Tel 96 742 90 94 [Head of the Group: Mrs Natalia]
Apartado 7 -7940, Cuba
Rua da Fé, 41 – 7940, Faro do Alentejo
