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Coming to Spain many people are looking for a way to connect with the cultural and historical traditions.
Spain is known for many things: some of the most well-known being food (Tapas), drink (Sangria or the less Touristy Tinto de Verano), and of course flamenco.
The flamenco dancers started out as outsiders expressing their emotions from as early as the 15th century. They were people who were pushed aside from those who fit into the norm. These people gathered together in the caves and tablaos of the south of Spain, Andalusia and expressed their struggles and day to day feelings through music and dance.
This evolved rapidly during the 18th and 19th centuries, and developed to be a little more similar to what we see today which started the period of cafe cantantes (singing cafes) where they were performing.
During the 20th century they were still separated from the general population, however they were further repressed and their culture was not recognised – that was until the end of the Franco regime when flamenco became an advertisement and proud piece of culture that Spain wanted the world to experience.
What is flamenco?
Traditional music, a combination of the Spanish guitar, cajon (boxed shape percussion instrument), palmas (clapping hands), a flamenco singer, and then the flamenco dancer. The dancer will clap and tap their feet, pick a rhythm, clap it back to the musicians so they can match their tempo/beat they’re after and then they begin.
Flamenco has been recognised as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2010 to protect and promote flamenco for future generations.
Where can I find flamenco?
Traditionally flamenco is from the south of Spain in the autonomous community of Andalusia, however you can now find performances throughout Spain.
Tablaos is where you find authentic performances. Tablao is a term which comes from the Spanish word Tablado, (wooden floor or stage) which is just as important as having the singers, dancers and musicians. Most tablaos will incorporate traditional tapas or dinner into each performance to make sure you are having the full cultural experience.
Wherever you are visiting in Spain, a flamenco tablao won’t be too far away, but with so many to choose from here are 10 tried and tested locations across Spain to get the best experience.
Image source:Maddison Hornsell
Best places for flamenco in Spain
Granada
1. Cueva La Rocio
A renowned flamenco venue in the caves of Sacromont, established in 1951 by the Maya family, a prominent name in the flamenco world. Enjoy some tapas before heading into an intimate show.
2. Tablao Casa Ana
Located in the heart of Granada right near Plaza Nueva, with 2 decades of experience, Casa Ana showcases a changing roster of top tier flamenco artistas.
Sevilla
1. Tabalo Flamenco Las Setas
Located in the iconic location Las Setas “the Mushrooms” it offers a cosy atmosphere where you can feel the close connection of the artists. This venue showcases both seasoned artists and emerging talents
2. Tablao Flamenco El Arenal
One of Seville’s most iconic venues in the heart of El Arenal district, it was founded in 1975 and has been acclaimed by The New York Times as one of the best places to experience flamenco in Sevilla. It features a mix of artists performing in a 17th century ventura Andalusian building.
Cordoba
1. Tablao Flamenco El Cardenal
Occupies a beautiful 17th century palatial building in Cordoba’s Jewish quarter, just a 5-minute walk away from the Mosque. With 25 years of experience, it’s the city’s most popular flamenco venue.
2. Patio de la Judería
This is a flamenco restaurant in the heart of Cordoba’s Jewish quarter, just a couple minutes’ walk from the famous Mezquita. Housed in an 18th century manor house each night offers a unique line up of artists.
Barcelona
1. Tabalo de Carmen
Located in Barcelona’s Poblé Espanyol, established in 1988 to honour legendary flamenco dancer Carmen Amaya, It gives you an authentic Andalusian experience whilst being in Catalunya. This is also where Rosalía (a young Spanish artist) started out. You’ll eat tapas and dinner at most shows. Poblé Espanyol is a venue which represents all the different regions and their cultural specialties in one location – perfect if you`re only visiting a small portion of Spain.
2. Tablao Flamenco Cordobés
A historic flamenco venue on the famous La Rambla. Established in 1970, it has been the cornerstone of Barcelona’s flamenco scene attracting notable legendary and emerging artists. The venue replicates the architecture of the Alhambra in Granada.
Madrid
1. Torres Bermejas
Established in 1960, and built on the site of Madrid’s oldest tablao, la taberna Gitana (established in 1949) has been an important hub of flamenco ever since. With its design inspired by the Alhambra, it was named one of Spain’s most prestigious tablaos and has been featured in numerous travel guides.
2. Teatro Flamenco Madrid
This was the world’s first theatre dedicated exclusively to flamenco offering daily live performances. Located in the heart of the Malasaña neighbourhood, it provides an authentic and intimate setting to enjoy flamenco in Madrid.
When looking for cultural experiences in Spain you really can’t look past flamenco, the combination of traditional music and performances paired with a delicious variety of tapas. A rich history, filled with emotion and passion, with every performance being unique and based on the emotions of the dancer that day, it will move you wherever you are in Spain.
