The Rest Is History

230. Portugal: Football, Fado, and Fascism? (Part 4)

14 snips
Sep 8, 2022
Delve into the rich tapestry of 20th-century Portugal, where Fado music and the concept of 'saudade' reflect a nation grappling with loss. Discover the rise of dictator Antonio Salazar, who maintained stability through authoritarianism while navigating WWII and colonial struggles. Explore the iconic football legacy of Eusebio and Benfica, which mirrored Portugal's social and political shifts. Uncover the complexities of Portuguese history, including its cultural charm and the moral ambiguities surrounding figures and events from this tumultuous era.
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INSIGHT

Saudade

  • Portugal's 19th/20th-century stagnation fostered melancholy and nostalgia, known as "saudade".
  • This cultural phenomenon is evident in Fado music and literature.
ANECDOTE

Fado's Origins

  • Fado music, originating in Lisbon's port areas, expresses this "saudade".
  • Maria Severa, a 19th-century Fado singer, exemplified its connection to the streets.
ANECDOTE

Salazar's Background

  • António de Oliveira Salazar, born in 1889, trained for priesthood but became an economist.
  • He's compared to Tolkien for his reactionary views and to Tony Abbott for his background.
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