Music and Dance

For many visitors to Andalusia, a flamenco show is a must-see. Tourists often mainly associate flamenco with dance, but singing and guitar music accompanied by castanets, rhythmic clapping (palmas) and foot stamping (zapateado) are also integral parts of the art of flamenco. There are very many different styles of flamenco – some full of passion and drama, others fun and light-hearted. Each style is known as a palo; the best-known ones include sevillanas, fandangos and soleás.

The zambra is a palo from Sacromonte, the district on the edge of Granada where the Roma traditionally lived. It has its roots in the fusion of Roma, Moorish and Jewish cultures and traditions. The zambra is based on three dances that were performed barefoot at Roma weddings. In the 1500s, it was banned by the Inquisition, which considered it indecent, but in spite of that the tradition lived on.

Cante Jondo, which can be translated as “profound song”, is the most primitive and emotional form of flamenco singing. Often improvising, the singer puts their deepest feelings into songs that are full of drama, and often tragedy.

There are lots of venues where you can see an authentic flamenco performance, including:

• Jardines de Zoraya: a great venue in the Albaicín that has nightly performances. They also have a lovely garden restaurant.
• La Alboreá: another good option in a convenient location near Plaza Nueva.
• Peña flamenca La Platería: a peña flamenca is a cultural association dedicated to the art of flamenco, and this one is the world’s oldest, founded in 1949. As well as offering weekly live performances, the peña has a bar and restaurant with views of the Alhambra.
• La Chumbera: a municipal auditorium in Sacromonte that is mainly used for flamenco performances, often showcasing up-and-coming young talent. But what’s really special is the glass wall at the back of the stage, which turns the Alhambra into the backdrop for the performances.
• Sacromonte caves: there are various traditional venues in Sacromonte that put on regular flamenco shows. Most also have a bar or restaurant.
• Casa del Arte Flamenco: a venue in Cuesta de Gomerez where you can combine a flamenco performance with dinner in their upscale restaurant La Faralá.

Professional flamenco artists go through years of rigorous training, but if you want to give it a try yourself, there are various flamenco schools in Granada. La Alboreá also offers classes.