Portugal: Music and Culture
4:00 PM – Exhibition Carlos Paredes
6:00 PM – Musical Moment by members of the Iberian Ensemble (with speeches by the Ambassador and Deputy Mayor)
6:45 – 7:00 PM – Wines from Guimarães (Portugal)
Portugal and Varaždin – Connections and Cooperation
Portugal and Croatia share a distinguished historical legacy and a vibrant cultural heritage, which have long shaped the identities and artistic traditions of both nations. In recent years, this richness has fostered an increasingly dynamic relationship, encouraging close cooperation and the exchange of experiences across cultural, artistic, and institutional spheres. A prime example of this growing partnership is Portugal’s collaboration with the City of Varaždin and the Varaždin Baroque Evenings Festival, which has served as an exceptional platform for promoting intercultural dialogue, celebrating shared European heritage, and strengthening bilateral cultural ties.
In 2024, this partnership reached a significant milestone with Portugal serving as the Partner Country for the 54th Varaždin Baroque Evenings Festival and the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between the Municipalities of Varaždin and Guimarães.
In 2025, the Municipality of Guimarães will be present with a dedicated exhibition space, highlighting its designation as the European Green Capital 2026 and featuring a diverse program of activities focused on citizen science and environmental education.
Guimarães 2026 – European Green Capital
Awarded the title of European Green Capital 2026, Guimarães has distinguished itself through a consistent commitment to sustainable development, based on a model of participatory governance in which science and education play a central role.
From biodiversity to the circular economy, and including the creation of new green spaces, the city has become a European benchmark for climate action, under the motto “One Planet City.” Guimarães is also one of the 100 European Mission Cities that have pledged to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.
Educating and Raising Awareness
Promoting participatory democracy and enhancing environmental literacy are key pillars of Guimarães’ strategy. The Landscape Laboratory – an environmental research and education centre – is one of the driving forces behind this transformation and will be present in Varaždin to demonstrate that learning and raising awareness can also be an engaging and inspiring experience.
Through citizen science and environmental education activities, covering topics from biodiversity to water resource protection, the city aims to inspire a new generation that is more conscious, active, and prepared to care for the planet.
Exhibition Commemorating the Centenary of the Birth of the Brilliant Portuguese Musician Carlos Paredes
Carlos Paredes is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential Portuguese musicians of the 20th century. A true virtuoso of the Portuguese guitar, he was celebrated for his soulful and deeply emotional compositions. Humble about his work, Paredes often referred to it as “small music” – simple in form, sometimes undervalued, yet profoundly moving and culturally significant. Despite his modesty, his music remains a vital part of Portugal’s musical heritage.
To honour the 100th anniversary of the birth of this guitar master, the Embassy of Portugal to Croatia, in collaboration with the Fado Museum (in Lisbon), will present an exhibition in Varaždin exploring the life and work of Carlos Paredes. The exhibition will feature photographs of documents, instruments, and other objects that illustrate his personal journey and musical legacy.
The exhibition will be on display at the City Library “Metel Ožegović” in Varaždin from 19 to 26 September, and on 27 September, it will be presented at the square in front of the Croatian National Theatre, marking Portugal’s participation as a Country Partner of the festival.
Carlos Paredes (1925-2004) was born in Coimbra into a family of long tradition of guitar playing, was deeply influenced by Portuguese popular music and Coimbra’s Fado – traditions he embraced wholeheartedly. Rather than distancing himself from them, he drew from these roots to renew and reinvent the Portuguese guitar, introducing new tones and expressive techniques.
One of the most iconic chapters of his musical journey was his collaboration with the legendary Amália Rodrigues. Their performances together marked a powerful fusion of voice and guitar, showcasing the instrument’s emotional depth and reinforcing its central place in Fado.
Paredes also worked closely with musicians from Coimbra's 1960s generation, a group marked by fresh cultural ideas and a commitment to music as a vehicle for social awareness and respect for diverse traditions. Through these collaborations, he helped usher in a new era for the Portuguese guitar, blending innovation with deep cultural reverence.
Though never a professional musician by trade, Carlos Paredes made a lasting impact through his contributions to theatre, dance, and film. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Portuguese guitarists and composers. His recording career began with his debut album, Carlos Paredes, in 1967. After the Carnation Revolution on April 25, 1974, his music was used in daily broadcasts promoting Portugal’s first democratic elections. He also performed across Europe.
Throughout his career he has played with many artists, including Charlie Haden, Adriano Correia de Oliveira and Carlos do Carmo.
Carlos Paredes left a profound and enduring legacy in the history of Portuguese music – his artistry not only redefined the Portuguese guitar but also brought it to the world stage.