Cantes minero-levantinos

“Cantes minero-levantinos” is a flamenco style which was originated in the mining area of Sierra Cartagena-La Union, developed in the 19th century.

 

“Cantes minero-levantinos” emerged from the flamenco styles which were brought to this region by Andalusian workers: “malagueña”, “taranto” and “granaína” and the contact to the local "fandangos".

 

According to Pedro Fernández Riquelme, “cantes minero-levantinos” took shape in "Festival del Cante de las Minas de la Union" in 1961. However, Poet Manuel Machado had mentioned them in 1912 in "La Lola", a poem from his collection "Cante Hondo". It is a singing, composed by four to five eight-syllable verses. This a sort of “taranta” (it is not easy to find the different except in some melodic nuances). Rojo "El Alpargatero" from Alicante was its creator. His son inherited it in order to be perpetuated.

 

"Taranta", "minera", "cartagenera", "fandango minero", "levantica" and "murciana" are "cantes minero-levantinos". "Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas" takes place every year in August since its origin in 1961 in order to relive these folk singings. Some of them were performed by ancestors who worked in the mines and sang during their long working shift.

 

This is one of the most important flamenco festivals in Spain. Some outstanding performers such as: Antonio Piñana, Pencho Cros, "Fosforito", Encarnacion Fernandez and Jose Sorroche, have performed in this festival.