Flamenco

Flamenco is an art form based on the folkloric music traditions of southern Spain, having originated in Andalusia. Many different hypothesis exist regarding the origins of flamenco. One of the most common theories is that flamenco originally developed as a result of the cultural exchange between the moriscos (former Moors) of Andalusia and the gypsies from India who arrived in the 16th century to Andalusia. The oldest known record of the music of flamenco dates back to 1774 in the book Las Cartas Marruecas by José Cadalso.

The origins of the word “flamenco” are also shrouded in mystery. Blas Infante in his book "Orígenes de lo flamenco" details one of the most widely known theories – that the word “flamenco” was derived from the Arabic term "Felah-Mengus", which together mean "wandering country person".

Flamenco has three forms of expression:

• Toque (guitar) – flamenco guitarists are called “tocaores”
• Cante (song) – meaning “flamenco singing”. It is easy to assume that the dancer is the most important part of a flamenco performance, but the cante is actually the heart and soul of the genre.
• Baile (dance) – The flamenco dance is known for its emotional intensity, expressive use of the arms and rhythmic stamping of the feet. Many different styles of flamenco have developed over time.

On November 16, 2010, UNESCO declared flamenco one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Download flamenco guide here

Watch the "Flamenco" documentary by Carlos Saura here