BIODEVICES 2012 – International Conference on Biomedical Electronics and Devices

The "Pousada de Estoi" was set in the old 19th century Estoi Palace, which used to belong to the Viscount of Estoi, José Francisco da Silva. The palace took 20 years to be built and in May 1909 a huge party was thrown in the gardens to celebrate its opening. The palace remained in the family until 1987, at which time it was acquired by the Faro Municipal Council. Set in nearly ten acres of land, this wonderful property comprises a main building, former tea pavilions and fantastic Versailles-style gardens, as well as old stables and cowsheds. The pousada is located in the small town of Estoi, 10km away from Faro, the Algarve's capital city.

Upon arriving at the 'Pousada', you will have the chance to taste exquisite regional liquors which are made of oranges, figs and herbs (such as pennyroyal), which are traditional products of Algarve.

Born in the popular contexts of the 1800s Lisbon, Fado was present in convivial and leisure moments. Happening spontaneously, its execution took place indoors or outdoors, in gardens, bullfights, retreats, streets and alley and taverns. A symbol of Portugal, Fado is mostly known for its sad and melancholich rhythms. It is said, at least of Lisbon's interpretation of Fado (as there is ample richness of varieties in this genre), that it stems from the songs of the Moors who kept living near the city after the Christian takeover.

The international divulgation of Fado had begun in the mid-1930s. Fado spread towards the African continent and Brazil, preferred performing destinations of some artists such as Ercília Costa, Berta Cardoso, Madalena de Melo, Armando Augusto Freire, Martinho d'Assunção and João da Mata, among others. However, the internationalization of fado would only consolidate in the 1950s, especially thanks to Amália Rodrigues.
Surpassing the cultural and language barriers, Fado would definitely become a national culture icon with Amália. For decades and until her death, in 1999, Amália Rodrigues was its national and international star.
Last November, Fado was added to the Unesco's list of 'intangible cultural heritage' of humanity.
Fado was one of the 49 cultural expressions that were in consideration to be part of the intangible cultural heritage. The Portuguese bid, unanimously accepted, was considered to be a model for other countries that want their cultural expressions recognized by UNESCO.