In this project, we explore soundscapes broadly, focusing on the relationship between sound and the social production of meaning, especially concerning the space and context in which they occur (Kelman, 2010). Sound, in its various forms, represents an intangible historical heritage. Thus, its analysis should consider the social and cultural dimensions, particularly within the context of a significant event like the FSJ.
The FSJ is considered one of the oldest fairs in Portugal, possibly founded in 1569, and has become one of the most important fairs south of the Tagus River. It served as a venue for regulating and setting the prices of various goods and livestock, as well as defining the wages of rural workers.
Beyond its commercial aspect, the FSJ has always had a cultural dimension, closely linked to the presentation of bullfighting spectacles that were significant for the local economy.
Preliminary research reveals that the FSJ has undergone significant cultural and social changes, influenced by technological developments and an audience coming from Alentejo and other geographical areas. The railway connection to Lisbon in 1863 attracted a broader audience and transformed the fair into a showcase for Alentejo, at a time when nationalism and regionalism were on the rise. Within the framework of Soundscapes, we highlight the significant changes in the fair’s auditory environment, encompassing human activity and machinery, which were documented in periodicals and led to specific restrictions or measures imposed by local authorities. This approach enables the characterization of sound and the identification of dynamics and changes over the period under study.
Regarding musical practices, we emphasize the concerts performed by Philharmonic Bands, ethnographic groups, parades, performances in amusement areas, circuses, theatres, phonograph demonstrations, and the later establishment of popular music concert models. Despite its longevity—the fair continues to exist today and remains of considerable importance to the Évora district—no comprehensive or in-depth study has been conducted on it, with only scattered bibliographic references available. While studies on the fair’s economic aspects and general functioning are scarce, there is no academic research on its cultural and heritage dimensions or musical practices, particularly to understand the fair’s dynamics over the studied period, its soundscapes, and how these reveal transformations and continuities.
These concerns led to the formulation of the central research question underlying this project: How are changes in the soundscapes and local
musical practices at the Feira de São João related to the social, cultural, and technological transformations that took place between 1850 and 1974?
What methodological tools can be developed to study soundscapes and local musical practices in the context of fairs? How can this project develop
a reference model for studying soundscapes and local musical practices at both national and international levels?
The project team brings together experienced researchers in the field of soundscapes and/or the cultural and musical history of Évora. This expertise
is reflected in the publication of articles, book chapters, book coordination, participation in international and national conferences, and involvement
in funded projects related to Soundscapes and local musical practices. The project also aims to provide three Research Initiation Grants, enabling
the student’s direct engagement with experienced researchers and an interdisciplinary research project.