For the people of Cadiz, flamenco is not just a fiery traditional Spanish song and dance but a way of life. In the city and the rest of the Cadiz province, there is always a flamenco program or competition whenever there are festivities. During summer, the City of Cadiz hosts “Flamenco Thursdays” where flamenco recitals can be seen every Thursday in the art and cultural theatres in the city.

The flamenco’s beginnings go back to the gypsies, Arabs and Jews who lived in the Region of Andalusia especially in the Province of Cadiz. But it was the gypsies who practiced and developed the flamenco. The flamenco dance basically involves the clicking of the toes and heels and graceful movements of the body, arms and hands. The steps may be accompanied by finger-snapping, rhythmic clapping of the hands and some shouting. Flamenco can vary in intensity depending on the depth of emotion of the flamenco singer. The most intense is the “grande” or “hondo” characterised by a deep and tragic tone. The “intermedio” is less serious and the music lighter. The “pequeno” has energetic and lively tones arousing feelings of love and beauty.

Over time, the Spanish people embraced the flamenco. It became a popular form of entertainment for the Spaniards who would gather in patios, restaurants and private clubs to witness the vibrant flamenco presentations by the gypsies. In the early 1900s, the guitar became a recognised musical accompaniment to the flamenco. The end of the 19th century until the beginning of the 20th century was the “Golden Age of the Flamenco” when it underwent new forms of expressions and its popularity spread to foreign lands.

Today, flamenco is still very much alive. It may have changed dramatically but the essence that originally inspired the gypsies to dance and sing is still the same impulse that drives the people of today who continue to participate and learn the flamenco. Aside from the guitar, other musical instruments such as the flutes, cellos, violins are now commonly incorporated into flamenco music. Other styles of music such as bossa nova, jazz and rock have also contributed to and at the same time benefited from flamenco.

Like any vintage art, flamenco has survived the test of time and continues to reflect the rich traditions and culture of Cadiz. For an authentic flamenco performance, Cadiz has numerous venues where you can experience the dynamic flair of the flamenco.