In the vibrant sound of music, mixed with high and low lyrics and energetic rhythmic movements; we can admire an important part of the spiritual and cultural life of Spain.
Melodies, songs and dances
Flamenco is the most famous art form in Spain. It is not clear when the image of artists holding guitars, singing next to dancers absorbed in every movement appeared in hundreds of literary and cinematic works around the world, and then it became a symbol of the culture of the land of bullfighting. Since then, tourists from all over the world flock to this warm and sunny land every year to immerse themselves in the vibrant and colorful melodies. Shows are opened all over the country, becoming one of the must-try experiences for anyone who has fallen in love with this rich culture.
Flamenco is a typical art form in Spain.
Nowadays, many people still mistakenly think that Flamenco is just a dance; but in fact, dance is just one of the elements that make up this unique art form. To complete a traditional Flamenco performance, the rustic music from the guitar and the powerful voice of the singer are two indispensable components.
Born in the 18th century, Flamenco music has carried with it charming and passionate melodies; starting from the autonomous region of Andalusia in southern Spain and then spreading throughout the country.
There are three types of music that are most used: Cante Jondo, which consists of songs with complex structures and content about deep themes such as death, torment and doubt; Cante Intermedio, which is a combination of many musical styles; and Cante Chico, which has simple melodies, focuses on technique and deals with cheerful themes of love or rural life... This diversity, together with the individuality in the performance style of each artist, makes each Flamenco performance a unique story, with its own characteristics instead of being lifeless repetition.
Melody, singing and dancing are important elements that make up a Flamenco performance.
Although music is important, the role of the dancers in Flamenco art cannot be underestimated. They are the ones who tell the story of the melodies through flexible, strong and emotional movements. When the music starts to play, the dancers in colorful costumes will stand still for a few seconds, as if waiting for the notes to gradually penetrate their bodies, catch the inspiration and then blossom into powerful dances. Arms, hands, heels,... all coordinate rhythmically with the music, the sound of clapping hands, the sound of shoes on the wooden floor create a very unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.
The art of community culture
A special feature of Flamenco is that not only the participation of musicians, singers and dancers but also the role of the audience is equally important to create a great performance. Unlike when participating in regular concerts where the artist performs the piece and the audience applauds when the performance ends; with Flamenco, the audience contributes to the performance with enthusiastic cheers and shouts.
"Olé" is a familiar exclamation in Flamenco performances - meaning to praise a perfect performance in terms of music, movement and connection with the audience. Perhaps, that is what makes this art form more intimate and spiritually meaningful instead of just a normal "one-way" performance.
Flamenco performance in southern Spain
People come from all over the world to admire and listen to the colorful Flamenco performances, not only to seek temporary entertainment in the rhythmic melodies but perhaps also to feel the generous, enthusiastic spirit and abundant energy radiating in every word and movement.
For the Spanish people, Flamenco has become a part of their spiritual life - a place where they come to be surrounded by the rich culture of their country, immersed in a space full of community where artists and audiences communicate and connect through the magic that art brings.
Nowadays, it is not difficult to find Flamenco performances all over Spain. However, people still love to enjoy this art form in its homeland - the Andalusia region in cities like Seville, Granada or Malaga. Under the warm sunshine typical of the Southern Spain, you can see vibrant Flamenco performances right in the middle of the street, next to majestic and splendid palaces. All create a complete and wonderful cultural experience.
