What is flamenco?

Flamenco

 

Flamenco is an artistic music and dance expression which is very characteristic in the Spanish regions of Andalusia, Murcia and Extremadura. It was inscribed in 2010 on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

 

It is also part of Andalusian Intangible Ethnological Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is registered in the General Assets Register of Cultural Interest in Murcia, established by General Management of Fine Arts and Cultural Heritage.

 

 

Facets of flamenco

 

Flamenco combines singing, dancing and "toque" (guitar). This art has its own tradition, language and rules. This tradition has crossed borders. In countries such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panamá and Puerto Rico, many flamenco schools have been set up. Flamenco is so popular in these countries, that it is believed that there are more flamenco schools in this area than in Spain.

 

The interest in promoting Flamenco is being increased everyday in order to spread its cultural and inherited values. The Andalusian Agency for the Development of Flamenco (Andalusian Regional Government's Department of Culture) has been created due to the importance of Flamenco in our culture. Currently, Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz) is the City of Flamenco. There will be build a National Centre of Flamenco Art. This institution will carry out all the initiatives about flamenco. It is interesting to remark that the Region of Andalusia is considering the possibility of incorporate flamenco at compulsory education.

 

In short, flamenco is art, a self-expression which is recognised and acclaimed all around the world.