What is flamenco?

Flamenco is a dance, song, and guitar style from Spain that originated in Andalusia. In addition to Granada, Cádiz, Córdoba, Huelva, and Seville, it also originates in parts of Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Extremadura, and is also home to the Romani people.

In its early days, flamenco didn't have a clear form. It was sung and danced at family gatherings, in the streets, or in taverns, where the focus was on expressing intense feelings like joy, sadness, or love. Over time, the art form became more professional and began to be performed in the famous tablaos (a type of flamenco stage) and theaters. Today, there are even flamenco festivals all over the world.

Flamenco is composed of three main elements: cante (the voice), baile (body language), and toque (the flamenco guitar). But there are also other very important aspects, such as jaleo (clapping, shouts of encouragement like "olé!" or "that's it!") and cajón percussion, which provide rhythm and energy.