An ode to the neighbourhood where this piece of art was made and to the Portuguese best known song, the Fado, born in this same neighbourhood.

Located near one of the endless number of little stairs scattered all over Lisbon, this wall was created by several artists to celebrate all things that make the identity of this neighbourhood: the old ladies chatting at their doors, the guy with a glass of wine, the church of São Cristóvão’s priest, the saint itself – Saint Christopher (São Cristóvão in Portuguese), the inspiring river siren, the fadistas (fado singers), the musicians, the most respected fadista of the neighborhood – Fernando Maurício and the famous Severa, the first fadista ever – as the legend tells.

This work was curated by M.A.S.C. – Movimento os Amigos de São Cristóvão, a citizen’s initiative of a group of friends that knew each other from the same street when they came to live in São Cristóvão, myself included! We thought of the amazing historical and cultural value of this part of Lisbon and felt compelled to show it to everyone. We gathered funds for this project by offering fado to the neighbourhood, with the São Cristóvão’s church as a landscape, as a street party with traditional food (bifanas, chouriço and caldo verde) and drinks.

Several artists offered to participate and the result can be seen in this Lisbon spot that’s worth a visit and photograph. Lucky me, I can see it everyday. Visit it and become a fan!