By examining a singular case – the Rua Joaquina party in Lisbon (Portugal) – this chapter raises questions about the role of small-scale and locally based events in shaping feelings of togetherness, musical attachment and family affiliation. In particular, it explores how such events are meaningful settings for families, neighbours and their guests to meet up, jointly appreciate or perform music they value, and engage beginners in musical pathways. Accordingly, an approach of this kind also seeks to illustrate and understand the living aspects of cultural heritage. The used data came from long-term fieldwork conducted in Lisbon’s fado scenes.

Very special thanks should be attributed to Diogo Varela Silva and Rui Olavo. The author thanks them for having authorised the reproduction of excerpts from the short documentary ‘A Minha Rua’ [My Street] and the photographs taken in 2016 and 2017.

Fado,Family events,Celebrative social occasion,Urbal cultural heritage

• Sociologia - Ciências Sociais