The figure of women in flamenco
February 13, 2024Flamenco festivals.
Flamenco festivals represent cultural events dedicated to exalting and celebrating the art of flamenco, an artistic expression that fuses singing, dancing and guitar playing, with Andalusian roots. These celebrations play a crucial role in preserving and disseminating the rich tradition of flamenco, providing a vital stage where artists can showcase their talent and enthusiasts can enjoy this unique art form. Although flamenco has existed as an artistic expression for centuries, presentation in the form of organized festivals is a more recent practice, dating back to the early decades of the 20th century.
The Concurso de Cante Jondo, considered the first of the important festivals, marked a turning point in 1922, when the Concurso de Cante Jondo was held in Granada. Organized by the poet and playwright Federico García Lorca, along with Manuel de Falla and other prominent musicians and artists of the time, this event gave visibility and recognition to flamenco as a profound and authentic art.
The Bienal de Sevilla, which debuted in 1980, marked a significant change in the duration and participation in festivals. This event became the catalyst for emblematic festivals, such as the Festival de Cante de Las Minas (1961), the Festival de Linares (1963), the Festival de Jerez (1997), the Festival de Málaga (2005) or the young Festival Milnoff de Granada (2020).
In addition, festivals of shorter duration, understood as recitals, also contribute significantly to the world of flamenco, seeking to spread the Andalusian art and revalue flamenco music. Emerging almost by chance, the Utrera Festival, known as Potaje Gitano, inspired numerous Andalusian towns and cities, such as Almería, Arcos de la Frontera, Puente Genil, Montilla (Córdoba), Ogíjares, Salobreña (Granada), Moguer (Huelva), Porcuna, Pegalajar, Martos (Jaén), Casabermeja, Ronda, Ojén (Málaga), Mairena del Alcor, Morón, Lebrija, Marchena, La Puebla de Cazalla and Dos Hermanas (Sevilla), to follow this formula, enriching the flamenco scene with their active participation.
History of the Jerez Flamenco Festival.
Since that memorable April 18, 1997, when the Andalusian Dance Company made its first appearance on the boards of the Villamarta Theater under the direction of María Pagés, more than seven hundred shows have illuminated this stage. This event has not only paid tribute to the great masters of flamenco, but has also given an outstanding space to the new generations, who have gradually taken on the legacy of dancing, guitar playing and singing. The Festival de Jerez was born as an initiative to celebrate and disseminate the art of flamenco, evolving over time to become one of the most outstanding events in the flamenco universe. Currently, it is the most outstanding event in the city and one of the most relevant flamenco festivals.
Numerous artists have left their mark on these stages, turning some nights into authentic myths. Like that first Saturday of the festival, when Vicente Amigo shared his inspirations linked to the verses of the sailor on land, Rafael Alberti, through his sonanta, resounding among the buildings that prevented him from seeing the sea, as close as unreachable.
The epicenter of the Festival is the Villamarta Theater, managed by the Foundation that organizes the event together with the Jerez City Hall. Given the importance of Jerez as the cradle of flamenco art, it attracts aficionados and tourists from all over the world in search of flamenco shows and renowned courses. The night cycle, which takes place in the flamenco clubs of Jerez de la Frontera, adds a special touch for those who appreciate good singing, guitar playing and dancing. Throughout its 17 years of existence, the Festival has witnessed the presence of the main figures of the flamenco art, from La Paquera de Jerez, Agujetas, Manuel Moneo, Capullo de Jerez, Juan Moneo El Torta or Fernando de la Morena to local artists such as María del Mar Moreno. In addition, renowned names such as Miguel Poveda, Israel Galván, Cañizares, El Pele, Dorantes, Rocío Molina, María Pagés, among others, have left their mark on this unique event.
XXVIII Festival de Jerez, 2024.
The Festival de Jerez 2024, its XXVIII edition, begins this coming February 23 with the starting signal of the company of Sara Baras and her show 'Vuela'. During 16 days we can enjoy from the most purist to the most contemporary proposals, through a large number of performances in theaters and clubs of Jerez de la Frontera.
The Festival consolidates its position as the world epicenter of flamenco dance, with performances by renowned artists such as Joaquín Grilo, Farruquito, Alfonso Losa, Patricia Guerrero and Ana Morales, among others. Among the 50 shows that make up the program, ten absolute premieres stand out, with illustrious names such as the Granaína Fuensanta La Moneta, Beatriz Morales or David Romero, as well as prestigious companies such as Mercedes de Córdoba, Úrsula López or Estévez y Paños.
In addition to paying tribute to established artists, the Festival de Jerez 2024 is committed to being a showcase for emerging talent. Highlights include Rocío Luna, winner of the Lámpara Minera 2023; Araceli Muñoz and Andrés Montes, laureates of the Turin 2023 International Flamenco Dance Competition; and Juan Tomás de la Molía, among other promising talents.
The culmination of the 2024 edition will be memorable, as it marks the retirement of iconic bailaora Manuela Carrasco, who chooses to kick off her farewell tour on the stage of the Festival de Jerez. An event that not only celebrates the greatness of flamenco, but also welcomes new promises and pays tribute to a legend in her farewell.
