Flamenco
By Tony Bryant
Flamenco is a passionate and seductive art form, a mysterious and misunderstood culture that has been burning in Andalucía for nearly five hundred years, and today flamenco has thousands of aficionado’s worldwide.
The common image of Andalucía is one of colour, romance, and passion, and the lone figure of the matador in the bullring, cape and sword in hand beneath the burning afternoon sun, and the equally gypsy art of flamenco seem to somehow go hand in hand.
Andalucía has a reputation for fiestas and celebrations that are overflowing with music and dance, women in colourful gypsy style dresses, silk shawls, and hand painted fans in an array of dazzling designs. The old men, faces scorched and cracked like the bark of an olive tree, their fraying straw hats an emblem of their past, and the courting couples dancing the most dramatic sevillanas are symbolic of life in this wonderful part of southern Spain.
Flamenco has been shrouded in mystery for many years, and it has only in recent years become known to, but not fully understood by, the rest of the world.
You can see shows all over Andalucía, especially on the Costa del Sol, where there are flamenco Tablaos in abundance, these though rarely show the true flamenco.
Flamenco has many aficionados worldwide.
Most people will not see a connection between these glossy theatrical shows that are misleadingly labelled authentic gypsy flamenco, and cante jondo, a song form deeply rooted in the tradition of flamenco, and born in small Spanish villages, such as Lebrija and Utrera; there is, indeed, little connection, but both are named flamenco.
There is a huge difference between cante jondo and the flamenco performed in the tablaos and commercial venues of today.
Flamenco is presented in many different varieties, and the colourful polka-dot dresses, castanets, and mellow tones of the acoustic guitar have become emblematic of Andalucía, but these do not represent the authentic side of flamenco.
Castanets are not part of true flamenco, they are an element that has been added to enhance the finger snapping.
Many artistes and writers have told stories of this near tropical paradise, its mysterious beauty, steeped in romance and folklore, and of the strange music and dances that have long been performed here.
Stories abound of the hazardous mountain landscape, where murderous highwaymen and bandits would kill their victims for the smallest sums of money, some of whom would become the stuff of legends, glorified by the romantic writers of the time.
But to most people who visit Andalucía, to witness a flamenco performance is an absolute must, and the most sought-after tourist souvenirs are flamenco dolls and fans, plastic bulls and matadors, in fact anything that is connected to this fabulous art form.
For hundreds of years writers from all corners of the world have told of the gypsies and their colourful lively music and dance, and of the duende or spirit that seems to accompany it. But what is flamenco, is it the music of the gypsies?
Andalucía has always been a very musical land, and the Moors that occupied Andalucía for nearly eight hundred years, have contributed greatly to its unique music and exotic dances.
Andalucía is a land where strange ritual celebrations occur during the Easter week, when scenes of the Passion parade through the streets, trumpets blaring, drums and cymbals crashing, and people casting themselves before the pasos, sobbing uncontrollably.
It is a land of fiestas and celebration, where one week of the year, every town has its feria. Another week of dressing up in traditional costume to parade the streets during daylight, and to party at the fair into the dark hours.
Andalucia is also a land where music and dance is just part of everyday life, and the Andalucians express themselves beautifully with the dance, and especially with the flamenco dance.
Andalucía is a place that burns with life, colour, and romance. It is a place of music and dancing, of plucked guitar strings, and the snapping of fingers, clicking castanets, and the stamping of feet, all of which mould together to create this wonderful culture we know as flamenco.
Flamenco Shows in Vejer
Book Flamenco Shows in Vejer
30
EUR
Looking for a traditional flamenco experience in an authentic setting? Alegría Málaga's Flamenco Show brings together artists from the current flamenco scene to create an authentic show of dancing, singing and guitars!
37
EUR
The only tour in Jaén where you can enjoy the 2 jewels that the city possesses: The Renaissance architecture of the Cathedral of Jaén, and Flamenco.
23
EUR
You will enjoy the best Flamenco in Seville, Familiar and Pure. In an incomparable setting next to the Cathedral of Seville and the Giralda.A Flamenco Show of 1 hour duration, where you will enjoy the best flamenco artists of the moment.
30
EUR
How's your pirouette? No good? Just leave it to the horses at the 'Ritmo a Caballo' – an equestrian ballet that has been performed right here at Club Hipico El Ranchito for over 25 years.
25
EUR
The Triana Flamenco Theater offers a spectacular flamenco show. Sit down in your comfortable seat inside a beautiful theater to enjoy an hour of fiery, uninterrupted flamenco.
79
EUR
If you've ever watched a foodie travel show set in Spain with green-eyed envy, it's time to settle the score! This tour will take you around the sunkissed streets of Seville for a taste of Andalusia's cultural and culinary riches.
35
EUR
Enter an intimate venue and get up close to real Spanish flamenco at Málaga's Kelipé Flamenco Show. As the number one flamenco show in Málaga, according to TripAdvisor, it's an Andalusian experience you can't miss.
25
EUR
You can feel the passion oozing from every pore of each performer at Jardines de Zoraya - one of Granada's top-rated flamenco shows. And the history floats on the atmosphere (flamenco was born in this region). See singers, dancers, and more ruffled frocks than a Spanish telenovela at this intimate and super-fun venue with a terrace.
64
EUR
Great flamenco gets your feet tapping, while great Andalusian cuisine gets your taste buds singing along! Enjoy the magic of flamenco in its birthplace, plus a delicious three-course meal at Jardines de Zoraya, a unique venue in the heart of Granada's historical Albaizín district.
10
EUR
Put on your dancing shoes and celebrate the spirit of Sevillian flamenco. This cutting-edge museum was founded by Cristina Hoyos, one of the most renowned flamenco dancers of all time!
29
EUR
Embrace the spirit and passion of Sevillian flamenco with a visit to the cutting-edge Museo del Baile Flamenco, founded by Cristina Hoyos - one of the world's most celebrated flamenco dancers.
25
EUR
See Spain's national dance brought to life at this thrillingly authentic flamenco performance, with a troupe of expert dancers showing off their skills in the 18th-century courtyard of Seville's Flamenco Dance Museum.
40
EUR
Attending a flamenco festival in Seville is an essential experience when learning about Spanish culture.Flamenco has been an icon of the country for hundreds of years. Its songs and music accompany one of the most beautiful and expressive dances in the world. This tour stimulates all the senses.
114
EUR
Indulge in an unforgettable evening of passion and artistry as you immerse yourself in the world of flamenco at the Tablao Flamenco show in Seville, situated on the enchanting banks of the Guadalquivir River in the heart of the vibrant Triana district.Prepare to be captivated by the raw emotions and rhythmic movements of flamenco dancers, gracef
885
EUR
Discover the birthplace of flamenco on this full-day small-group Jerez flamenco day trip, from Malaga. Delve into ancient gypsy culture, dance, and music, wandering through Jerez’s flamenco neighborhoods with your private guide. Listen as your guide explains how the dance began and became the world famous tradition it is today.
60
EUR
We bring forgotten dances and songs to our days, the essence of masters, who are the root.
109
EUR
Tapas and flamenco are two of the most storied pillars of Seville’s culture, and on this tour, you’ll experience both at their best. Start by enjoying an aperitif and light bites at a beloved local tapas bar, where you’ll take a deep dive into the culture of both tapas and flamenco.