We were recommended a Flamenco show in Albanilla, near Murcia, and as David was visiting, we decided to give it a try. We also took one of our Spanish friends, Pepa, who hadn’t yet been to a Flamenco show.
Albanilla is perched in the hills, and the venue, ‘La Tona‘ is an original gypsy cave at the top of the town.
I have to say, it was absolutely fantastic, with real moments of ‘Duende‘. This was my first time ever to see Flamenco, and it was utterly brilliant. As so often the case, there is a brilliant read about Flamenco on Wikipedia.
Apparently, the Flamenco here in Murcia has its own flavor. There were two female dancers, one older and one younger, a male and a female singer, and the guitarist.
The music and singing was top class, and the dancing was phenomenal.
I have to say it was a really magical experience.
The only sad thing is my Canon Ixus 70 camera is absolutely rubbish for indoor photos, so the only reasonably clear one is this:
David and I with one of the Flamenco Dancers
We are planning a trip down to Andalucia, so hope to see some more!
As I recall, Jerez and Cadiz are both centres for the dance, but I think you have to be there when the festivals are on to see it. I was in both last November and drew a blank.
Try the barrio of Santa Lucia Saturday nights in June and August for a series of top Flamenco singers and guitarists. In August there is also the Cante de las Minas festival in La Union.