Flamenco, a traditional Spanish folk music style with its roots dating back around 500 years in Andalucía, is a captivating and passionate art form that includes singing (cante), guitar playing (toque), dancing (baile), and handclapping (palmas). It's a mesmerizing cultural heritage believed to have been initiated by Romani gypsies. When you think of Flamenco, you conjure images of vibrant, swarthy-skinned dancers adorned in colorful gypsy-style dresses, silk shawls, and accompanied by male guitarists and singers in dark suits.
Flamenco, however, remains somewhat misunderstood, and it's only in recent years that its popularity has spread worldwide. Surprisingly, Japan even boasts more Flamenco academies than Spain itself.
If you happen to find yourself in Andalucía during one of its many festivals, you'll witness local women and children parading the streets in stunning, brightly colored Flamenco dresses, often featuring a classic polka dot pattern and perfectly coiffed hair. This tradition is deeply cherished in Spain, with some dresses costing thousands of Euros and being treasured heirlooms passed down through generations.
During the summer months in Spain, you can find numerous Flamenco shows, though not all of them showcase the "true" Flamenco art form. To help you experience this ancient Andalucian tradition in its most authentic form, we've compiled a guide to the best places in Malaga.
Bienal de Flamenco, Málaga: Experience "true" Flamenco in the warm embrace of summer during the month-long Bienal de Flamenco, held in Malaga every other year. This prestigious event draws some of the finest Flamenco artists from across Spain and takes place not only in Malaga city but also in nearby towns such as Nerja, Fuengirola, and Ronda. The most recent event was held in September 2017, and it will return to Malaga in 2019.
Restaurant Tipi Tapa, Fuengirola: Tipi Tapa, a well-established restaurant in Fuengirola renowned for its diverse selection of over 150 tapas dishes, hosts weekly Flamenco shows on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights. The Flamenco performances here are refreshingly authentic, featuring dancers, singers, and guitarists. The shows last approximately one hour, with prices starting at 20 Euros, and the early start time of 19.30 makes it a family-friendly choice.
Tablao Los Amayas, Malaga: Located in the heart of Malaga city, Los Amayas is the ultimate destination for live Flamenco. They offer two nightly Flamenco shows, paying tribute to the renowned Malaga-born artist Picasso. Los Amayas delivers a truly authentic Flamenco experience, with showtimes at 7pm and 9pm, including a drink, all for 25 Euros.
Torrequebrada Hotel, Benalmadena: In the Fortuna room of the Torrequebrada hotel, you can witness a popular Flamenco show that runs throughout the summer months. The show, a Carmen Mota Ballet production, offers a captivating journey through various styles of Spanish classical Flamenco and South American influences introduced by Spanish emigrants. After the performance, guests can enter the hotel casino for free. Ticket prices start at 21 Euros and include a drink.
Flamenco Marbella: Formed by the award-winning Flamenco Benalmádena team, Flamenco Marbella is renowned for its fantastic shows. Their performances have now moved to the center of Marbella, offering an ideal location to immerse yourself in authentic Flamenco. It's a must-visit for Flamenco enthusiasts and anyone wanting to experience traditional Spanish culture.
Solera Flamenco: Located in Marbella, Solera Flamenco, presented by the Solera de Jerez company, offers shows of exceptional artistic quality, featuring a diverse range of Flamenco styles. With 30 years of experience, they guarantee a high-quality performance, punctuality, and respect for their audience.
Peña Flamenca de Estepona: The Peña Flamenca de Estepona, situated in the center of Estepona town, is the original Flamenco social club and one of approximately 50 federated clubs in the Malaga province. The peña boasts a small bar serving drinks and tapas on the outside terrace, open for both lunch and evening enjoyment.
Explore Andalucía's rich Flamenco heritage and savor the authenticity of this captivating art form in these top-notch venues and shows.
