The Arte of Flamenco

If you haven’t been to see a flamenco show yet, go! Whether you end up leaving early to rush to reserve a spot for the next show, or because you’re falling asleep in your seat, it is something you should see at least once during your time in Spain. 

Flamenco is a Spanish genre of music, song and dance and originates from Andalucía in the south of Spain. The performance generally consists of a singer, a guitarist, a dancer and lots of foot-stamping and clapping (WARNING: if your ears are sensitive, you might want to sit nearer the back). Flamenco is generally performed in one of four venues: in a juerga (an informal, spontaneous gathering in a small room, a bit like a “jam session”), in tablaos (small restaurants and cafés which may have a company of performers for each show), in concert venues and in theatres.

I would recommend going to see a flamenco show in a smaller venue, in order to really experience the sound and the intensity. ArteBar in La Latina offers a great show in a tiny room out the back (it can seat about 40 people at a push) and this is our choice venue if we organise a trip to a flamenco show as one of our weekly activities here at Inhispania. At 13 euros on Thursdays and 15 on Fridays, you really can’t go wrong. If you make a reservation in advance you’ll receive an extra discount and groups also benefit from discounted prices. If you really wanted to push the boat out the café/restaurant at the front also has a great atmosphere, but I have a feeling you might pay a little more than you would at an average tapas bar.

And if you're still in need of an excuse to seek out your nearest flamenco show: Christmas is coming up, treat yourself!

photo via: http://artebarlalatina.blogspot.com.es/