Cante Alentejano

Met yet another cousin of Zé Maria's in the Adega Velha, and set off to look at a property he wants to sell. Couldn't believe it - the location is superb - on the slope below the castle with an amazing view of both the castle and the lake, and 280 olive trees - we waited with bated breath for the price, but that also was OK... the catch? Well, we don't know what we'd be allowed to build - neither of the small buildings are habitable, and there is no electricity or water to the property - though not far away...

Anyway, ended up in the Adega Velha again, and the men started singing - it was a total privilege to sit there in the circle, listening to them - here is a video someone took a while back that shows something of what it's like.

PS And here is an explanation about this ancient form of singing.