Portugal is the partner country for the 2024 Varaždin Baroque Evenings!
Portugal, located on the far western edge of the European continent, has for centuries captivated attention with its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Along with Lisbon, its capital and one of the most visited tourist centers in Europe, and its enchanting coastal landscapes adorned by the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is known for the warm, welcoming vibe of its inhabitants.
Despite modern trends and globalization, Portugal is able to preserve its unique character, which is primarily reflected in its history, culture, and natural beauty. This is one of the main reasons we chose Portugal as the partner country for this year’s Varaždin Baroque Evenings.
Geography and History of Portugal: Natural Beauty and Rich Heritage
Portugal occupies the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Its geographical position is crucial for understanding the historical significance of this country, which became one of the world’s most important maritime powers as early as the Middle Ages.
In addition to the mainland, Portugal encompasses two beautiful archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean — the Azores and Madeira. These island groups are known for their unique microclimate, lush vegetation, and volcanic landscapes, and Madeira is nicknamed the “eternal garden” due to its extraordinary natural beauty.
Portugal’s climate includes mild winters and warm, sunny summers, making it an ideal destination for tourists year-round.
As for its history, Portugal was a pioneer during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. Names like Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama are still symbols of courage and adventure, and their achievements opened doors to new worlds, establishing Portugal as a key player in global trade and colonization.
The Portuguese founded colonies in Africa, Asia, and South America, with Brazil being one of the most significant parts of this legacy — and it continues to share linguistic and cultural ties with Portugal.
Interestingly, Portugal has one of the oldest unchanged borders in Europe — the border with Spain, which has remained intact since the 13th century, highlighting the country’s political stability and independence.
Culture and Highlights — Tradition, Music, and Unique Customs
Portugal boasts a very rich culture infused with influences from various periods of its eventful history.
One of its most famous cultural “products” is fado — traditional music with melancholic tones that often speaks of longing, loss, and the transience of life. This type of music is part of UNESCO’s list of cultural heritage, and fado performers captivate audiences with their deep and emotional interpretations.
Particularly famous are the performances in the old districts of Lisbon, like Alfama, where fado is often sung in intimate, authentic restaurants and bars.
Portuguese cuisine is another strong aspect of its culture. Fish dishes play a key role, with the most famous specialty being bacalhau – dried cod prepared in countless ways.
According to legend, there are as many recipes for bacalhau as there are days in the year! The Portuguese are also known for their delicious desserts, notably pastéis de nata — small creamy pastries with a thin, crispy crust, perfect with a cup of local coffee.
Portugal has had a significant global influence through its language. In addition to Portugal, Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and several other countries across Africa and Asia. Because of this, Portuguese is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world, ensuring Portugal’s presence on the global stage even in modern times.
Portugal — the Partner Country for the 54th Varaždin Baroque Evenings
Portugal will be the partner country for the 54th edition of the Varaždin Baroque Evenings.
Interestingly, according to one etymological hypothesis, the word “baroque” itself comes from the Portuguese word “barroco,” which refers to an irregularly shaped pearl. This etymology describes the baroque artistic style perfectly — characterized by rich decorations, complex forms, and dramatic expressions, making it recognizable throughout Europe.
Although this term initially carried negative connotations, over time it became synonymous with one of the most important artistic periods.
The cultural exchange with Portugal will include numerous performances by Portuguese baroque musicians, including the renowned Orquestra Barroca Casa da Música, to showcase the richness of Portugal’s musical and cultural heritage. The cultural partnership will not be limited to classical music — fado, traditional Portuguese music, as well as Portuguese gastronomy, will be the focus of the “Total Baroque” program held in the courtyard of the Sermage Palace in Varaždin.
An especially intriguing historical connection exists between the city of Varaždin and the Portuguese city of Guimarães, which was an important center of Portuguese baroque. The collaboration will be further intensified with the signing of the Partner Cities Charter on September 21, 2024, accompanied by a special concert. Both cities will thus highlight the importance of cultural and historical ties that build a future based on a shared past.