Monument to the Cante Alentejano

Category: Civil Architecture > Monument

District: Beja > Odemira > Odemira > Bairro do Símplicio

Location:

The Cante Alentejano Monument is located in the town of Odemira, a characteristic locality of Baixo Alentejo. It is specifically situated in the area of Bairro do Símplicio, also known as Quinta da Estrela. Its location within the town's urban fabric makes it easily accessible, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate this cultural manifestation.

A Tribute to Cante and Tradition

This monument was inaugurated on November 27, 2022, a date with strong symbolism. It marks the day when Cante Alentejano was classified by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a distinction that occurred in 2014. Its creation in Odemira is a tribute to Cante and its performers, aiming to preserve the memory of this secular musical practice. More than a simple homage, the work seeks to inspire new generations to keep this expressive tradition alive, which is a pillar of local culture. According to its author, the sculpture captures the "soul of the Alentejo people", symbolizing the spirituality, strength, and bonds that unite communities.

The Sculpture: Dimension and Artistic Expression

Authored by sculptor Fernando Fonseca, a native of São Teotónio, the Cante Alentejano Monument is a piece of great dimension and expressiveness. The sculpture represents a choral group, evoking the essence of Cante practice, with its imposing figures suggesting the strength and unity of the singers. With twelve and a half meters in length and six meters in height, the work has an estimated weight of fourteen and a half tons. Its construction utilized expanded polystyrene (EPS) for the exterior form, with a robust internal metal structure reinforced by concrete, giving it durability and a striking presence in Odemira's urban landscape.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt