Enjoy flamenco in Spain: a unique cultural phenomena
Experience the intensity and emotion of flamenco
On your trip to Spain you’ll have a chance to experience first-hand a flamenco show: one of the most well-known Spanish musical genres throughout the world, and also a perfect blend of singing, guitar playing and dancing. In fact, it is recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. There are several theories about the origins of flamenco: some see it as arising in the Arab world, due to certain similarities between songs of Arab origin and flamenco singing. The similarity between the melismas of the “malagueñas” and the “siguiriyas” flamenco styles is particularly interesting. If you decide to travel to Spain, a good idea would be to arrange to go see a live show in a traditional flamenco “tablao” venue. These are usually intimate venues or small theatres whose shows feature cantaores (singers), guitarists, bailaores (dancers) and sometimes also percussionists. You are sure to find the cosy atmosphere of these spaces very special. That is where you can experience the intensity and emotion of flamenco.
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Where can you enjoy flamenco?
This art can be witnessed in different places in Spain such as Barcelona, Murcia, Madrid or Andalusia; the latter two being the most popular and traditional places to do so. The following are some of the most well-known “tablaos” in Andalusia: Los Gallos, Seville: the oldest tablao in Seville, with more than 45 years of history. Prestigious flamenco figures such as La Paquera de Jerez, the reciter Gabriela Ortega and Antonio Mairena or the dancers Matilde Coral and Trini España have performed in this venue. Currently, this tablao is one of the leading showcases of current flamenco, with internationally renowned artists who have won numerous awards. Cueva de la Rocío, Granada: this is one of the first gypsy dancing venues in the city. On the Sacromonte road, it was founded in 1951. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Alhambra while you enjoy a traditional local meal and experience flamenco in its purest form. Cardenal, Cordoba: it is located in a sixteenth century Mudejar building which has been visited by artists such as Rafael del Pino, Antonio Alcázar and Victoria Palacios. The venue has received the prize for the best tourist product from by the city's tourist board. Madrid boasts the following flamenco tablaos: Tablao Flamenco 1911: this legendary flamenco tablao is one of the oldest in the world. Founded in 1911, it is decorated in a way that is sure to make an impression: Andalusian murals, wooden arches, polychrome tiles and stunning decoration adorn the tablao every night to greet the public. Corral de la Morería: founded in 1956, it is one of the best known tablaos of Madrid. It has excellent cuisine and has featured performances by great flamenco artists such as María Albaicín, Antonio Canales and Pastora Imperio.
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Festivals and tourist routes
In addition going to a flamenco tablao, another good way to experience this art form is to go to one of the different flamenco festivals organised throughout the year in Spain. Among the most significant such festivals are the Bienal de Flamenco in Seville, the Festival de Cante de Las Minas in La Unión), the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra of Cordoba or the Festival Suma Flamenca in Madrid. All those who want to delve deeper into flamenco singing and dancing can also sign up for a tourist route, such as the ones offered by Andalusia to discover the birthplace of great masters of this art such as Paco de Lucía, Camarón de la Isla, Sara Baras and José Mercé, among others. The south of Spain is also home to institutions devoted to flamenco, such as the Cristina Hoyos Flamenco Dance Museum in Seville or the Andalusian Flamenco Documentation Centre in Jerez de la Frontera.
