Flamenco
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.
Festivals
Over the course of the year, Granada hosts a variety of festivals, many of which are centred around music and dance. They range from professional concerts to much more informal open-air events. Some concerts are held in the Alhambra, which can be a magical experience.
February – April
San Cecilio: On the first Sunday in February there’s a pilgrimage in honour of St. Cecilius, when people make their way up to Sacromonte Abbey. After mass, it becomes a festive event with music and dancing on a stage in the open area below the Abbey.
International Tango Festival: The week-long tango festival is held at the beginning of March every year in the Isabel la Católica Theatre. There are performances by internationally-renowned musicians and dancers, often including recent world champions. More information
Noche en Blanco: A Noche en Blanco is literally a “white night”, but it means “sleepless night”. It’s usually held on a Saturday night in April. Various city museums and sights are open free of charge until late, and there are music and dance performances, poetry recitals, sports demonstrations and activities for kids in many of the open spaces around the city.
May – June
May Crosses Festival: Held on the 3rd of May, when local associations put up elaborately decorated crosses in squares and courtyards all around the city. There is music and dancing at open-air stages around the city. Many local people dress up in flamenco costumes to see the crosses, sing, dance and enjoy a drink.
Corpus Christi: Granada’s most important local festival, which takes place 60 days after Easter Sunday. The main events take place at the fairground on the edge of town, which you can reach by special bus service, and the tram also passes close by. There’s music and dancing, as well as a funfair. There is usually also some open-air dancing in Plaza del Carmen and/or Bib-Rambla.
International Festival of Music and Dance: Classical music, flamenco, ballet and contemporary dance in a variety of venues in the Alhambra and around the city in June and July. Attracts top-class orchestras, dance companies and soloists from around the world. Tickets for the most popular performances sell out very quickly when they are released in March or April, so you need to plan in advance. More information
July – August
International Festival of Music and Dance: Classical music, flamenco, ballet and contemporary dance in a variety of venues in the Alhambra and around the city in June and July. Attracts top-class orchestras, dance companies and soloists from around the world. Tickets for the most popular performances sell out very quickly when they are released in March or April, so you need to plan in advance. More information
Carmen de la Victoria: In July, there is usually a season of outdoor concerts in the gardens of Carmen de la Victoria in Cuesta del Chapiz. The gardens, which are owned by the University of Granada, have great views of the Alhambra, so it’s a magical spot to enjoy a concert.
Lorca and Granada in the Generalife Gardens festival: Each year in July and August, there’s a different show inspired by Lorca, Granada and flamenco, directed by a leading choreographer. There are performances every night, so if you’re here in the summer, it’s fairly easy to get tickets.
September – November
Zaidin Rock: At the beginning of September, local pop and rock bands perform in the Zaidin district of Granada, next to the football stadium. Free entry.
Granada Sound: Also in September, there’s a pop and rock festival at the Cortijo del Conde on the outskirts of Granada, mainly featuring Spanish bands. Bus transport to and from the venue is provided from the city centre.
Granada Jazz Festival: The jazz festival is held in November every year in the Isabel la Católica Theatre and normally includes around five concerts with respected international artists. More information