Subscribe Now

travelers today

Home » News

There Is A Country In Europe That Is Happy Being Sad

Travelers Today       By    Jacq Evans

Updated: Jan 17, 2017 07:46 AM EST

Text Size: A A A

There is a country in Europe that loves being sad. Ideally, a place with no sunshine, no beaches or no fun activity is a gloomy place for us. However, this country in Europe has all those but still they cherish the idea of being sad.

Portugal has a culture of melancholy, which is hard not to notice. You see it imprinted on people's gloomy expressions. In Portugal, even the statues that lodge prime real estate in Lisbon's public squares are faces of sadness. Furthermore, "no one tells you to have a nice day. No one particularly cares if you have a nice day because chances are they are not having a nice day either. If you ask a Portuguese person how they are doing, the most enthusiastic reply you can expect is Mais ou Menos (so so)," says Eric Weiner in an article on Portugal for the BBC.

Somehow, the Portuguese people are disinclined to happiness, as supported by the UN World Happiness Report. Portugal is a sad land and ranked 93rd of 157 countries according to the UN's latest World Happiness Report. However, it appears as though the Portuguese are satisfied with their discontentment, and, in an odd but clarifying way, essentially enjoy it.

Portugal's joyful sadness is condensed in a single word: Saudade. The term is one that cannot be translated. Saudade is a yearning, an ache for a person or place or experience that once brought great pleasure. It is similar to nostalgia but, unlike nostalgia, one can feel Saudade for something that has never happened, and likely never will.

Moreover, Portugal is home to fado music, a sad melody that only Portuguese can give justice. Specifically, fado music is gloomy set to a melody. Fado literally means fate or destiny, and therein rests its unhappy beauty. The music genre originated approximately two centuries ago in hardscrabble, working-class neighborhoods of Lisbon. The first fado singers, or fadistas as they are locally called, were prostitutes and the wives of anglers who may or may not return from sea. The singers of this melancholy music are first name basis with uncertainties and sadness.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018

Tags
Portugal, Portugal Sad Country in Europe, Portugal Music, Portugal Phrase Saudade, Portugal Fado, Portugal fadistas, Portugal Monuments
© 2023 Traverlers Today, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Join Our Conversation

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive the latest travel news, reviews, and more..

Most Popular

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

Planning for a trip takes some time, even if it's just you g

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

If you have never traveled before but are thinking of doing so then

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

So there are a few islands that can be found off the Sco

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

You need to know how to plan appropriately and

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

A campus visit's significance could not be overstated. After all, fo

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

Having a gallery wall brings plenty of benefits to your

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

There is something equally relaxing and invigorati

Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash

Things That Will Help Cost-Conscious Vacationers Save Money

There are several ways you can significan

Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

How to Make Vet Visits Affordable in 2022

If the situation is minor, you might be lucky and get away

Photo by Tim Samuel from Pexels

Know Your Florida Driving Rules

There is so much to do in the region, but we want to focus on some of

Photo by Ging Ang from Pexels

Holidaying in your own Country: Try these Fun Trips!

Many countries are opening their borders, but if

Photo by Jessica Lewis Creative from Pexels

The Best Tech Tools for Expats

Here’s a quick look at most versatile tech tools for expats on the m

Photo by Tobi from Pexels

How to Turn a Road Trip Into A Luxury Adventure

But a road trip doesn’t have to mean living on the

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Do you want to become a citizen of Australia

Hair transplant Istanbul: Why is it so popular?

Hair Transplant Istanbul: Why is it so Popular?

Getting a hair transplant in Istanbul is affordable i

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

They are incredibly expensive, and they’re also in sh

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

International trade holds great importance in a

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

Riesling is Germany’s best-known wine, but the country makes other fi

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

There is nothing like the great outdoors –– natureâ€

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

Who knew you could pack your entire life away into one litt

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

San Diego is a magnificent place, and it would not be

travelers today

© 2023 TRAVELERS TODAY All rights reserved.

Subscribe to our newsletter
Real Time Analytics