Home > Blog > Get to know the history of flamenco: love, art and tradition
historia-flamenco

Watching a flamenco show is an indescribable experience and, as with all good things, it did not come about overnight, but was slowly forged over the years. slowly forged over the years into the powerful art we know today. to become the powerful art form we know today.

Today, we tell you what is the history of flamencoso that you can learn even more about the heart and soul of Andalusia:

What is flamenco?

Flamenco is a Spanish musical genre that developed in Andalusia, and combines singing, dancing and musical accompaniment.It is a very complete experience.

In addition to combining different artistic styles, the dancers usually wear typical flamenco dance clothes, such as flamenco shoes. flamenco shoes shoes (essential for the heel tapping) or the flamenco flowers.

The history of flamenco and its origins

Although flamenco, as we know it, has its origins in Andalusia and dates back to the 18th century, its origins are not 100% known, since it is a mixture of art from the different cultures that coexisted in Andalusia several centuries ago.Its origins are not 100% known, as it is a mixture of art from the different cultures that coexisted in Andalusia several centuries ago.

Although it is true that the culture most associated with flamenco dance is the gypsy culture, this art form draws from different communities, due to the fact that flamenco singing combines:

  • Traditional music and Andalusian folk songs.
  • The Gregorian chants of the Jewish synagogues.
  • Arabic sounds.
  • African rhythms.

On the other hand, it should be taken into account that Flamenco was born as a form of singing intended to show deep emotions.If you have been fortunate enough to visit a flamenco tablaoYou will have felt in your own skin the intensity that is breathed there, and that does not compare to any other place.

As the years went by, singing was combined with dancing and the sounds of different instruments.And, as happened with the songs, the dance became a fusion of different traditions, combining traditional dances from different Spanish regions, with African and Indian dances that the gypsies brought to our country.

What did each culture contribute to the history of flamenco?

According to historian Jose Luis Navarro García, author of the book “History of Flamenco Dance” (2008), Andalusian culture gave flamenco its own grace, mischievousness, elegance and freshness.while the gypsy ethnicity gave him that unique temperament and grit that we do not find in any other musical genre.

On the other hand, the African culture sublimated it with that air of sensuality that the dancers waste on the top of the stage (although this can also come from the classic dances of the Hindu culture).

Rise, decline and a great renaissance

During most of the twentieth century, flamenco was a highly valued art in our country by people of all social classes, bringing together the masses who wished to contemplate it.and brought together the masses who wished to contemplate it.

However, in the last decades of the last century, flamenco experienced a notable “decline” mainly due to its association with an atavistic Spain that people wanted to leave behind, since it clashed with the idea of modernity of the time.

Fortunately, in recent years this has changed a lot thanks to renowned artists such as Camarón or the emergence of flamenco fusion. In fact, international contemporary artists such as Rosalía would not exist without the influence of flamenco, so it is gaining more and more weight again, which brings us to the next point:

Flamenco becomes a World Heritage Site

In 2010, UNESCO included flamenco in its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.finally giving the recognition that Spain’s most representative music deserves.

Because of this – but also for many other reasons – thousands of tourists come to our country every year to see an original flamenco show.

Where can I see a flamenco show?

Flamenco is an art form that crosses borders and today can be enjoyed in every corner of the world.The song, both in its more classical version and with different variations that give it even more life (for example, Joaquín Cortés fuses it with Arab and Latin music to create his own interpretation).

However, the best place to see a flamenco show in the world is still Andalusia, the best place to see a flamenco show in the world is still Andalusia, the cradle of this beautiful art that still preserves some of the best flamenco tablaos in the world.the cradle of this beautiful art that still preserves some of the best tablaos flamencos in the world.

Whether you live in Malaga, as if you are traveling through this beautiful city, in Alegría, Flamenco y Gastronomía you will be able to enjoy every day of incredible flamenco shows., created by some of the best singers and dancers of today. Do you want to experience flamenco at its best? Then we are waiting for you at C. Vélez Málaga, 6, Málaga-Este, 29016.

Share it! [sharethis-inline-buttons]

Featured publications