Summary:
Maria Severa Onofriana is celebrated as the first fadista and a symbol of Lisbon's culture.
Her life, filled with struggles and marginalization, reflects the bittersweet essence of Fado.
The narrative critiques how Lisbon's essence has been commodified and transformed for tourism.
Severa represents the cultural loss felt by locals as iconic sites lose their historical significance.
The article ends with a poignant reminder of the need to preserve Lisbon's true identity.
The Epic Story of Fado Through Severa's Voice
Maria Severa Onofriana, known as “the first fadista in history,” is more than just a character in a tale; she embodies the mythos of Lisbon. The truth about Severa is overshadowed by her mythification, stemming from accounts by figures like Bulhão Pato and Luís Augusto Palmeirim. Born in the tavern of her mother, dubbed “A Barbuda,” Severa's life was marked by struggles and a complex relationship with love and society.
Her existence was filled with “loves” and wine, ultimately leading her to a life of marginalization, yet her beautiful singing resonated throughout Mouraria, making her a historical figure whose beauty rivaled the sweetness of her voice. However, history often forgets the bitterness of her reality, encapsulated in a brief life filled with sorrow and fleeting romances, including one with the Count of Vimioso.
A Bitterness that Smells of Lisbon
This narrative is not political nor a historical investigation; it is a reminder of our responsibility towards our cultural heritage, symbolized by the Barbuda's influence on Severa. We have commodified Lisbon, trading its essence for pennies.
Júlio Dantas once gloriously proclaimed, “I am Fado,” but today, it feels more accurate to say, “Severa is Lisbon.” We have sold our city's soul to foreign interests, transforming iconic locations into mere shells of their former selves. The Avenida da Liberdade has become a cheap imitation of the Champs-Élysées, while Chiado has turned into a Babel Tower, catering to tourists.
Where once stood the Cinema Condes, now resides a Hard Rock Cafe, and the Rossio Railway Station shares its grandeur with Starbucks. Our culture is reduced to a poor translation of foreign influences.
Despite these changes, some still manage to uphold the spirit of Fado in the face of overwhelming commercialization.
We, the people of Lisbon, reflect both Barbuda and Severa. We are a Fado nation, resigned to our fate, holding onto our melancholy as we watch our beloved city transform into something unrecognizable.
In the words of Amália Rodrigues, “Lisbon, do not become French.”
The haunting reminder remains: if one day Lisbon becomes Portugal, then Portugal will indeed be Severa.
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