Spain: A Passionate Tradition

Spain is not only about modern and cosmopolitan cities; traditional, cozy, fishing villages; great beaches and high mountain peaks that are wonderful for winter sports. It is a country that places great value on its traditions and flamenco is the most passionate of them all. When you hear the impressive strains in a typical Spanish bar or at a huge live performance, you feel the blood pumping through your veins.

The moment of “duende” (spirit) is the peak of the performance when the dancer seems to touch your soul and make you shiver. Flamenco has deep roots and no one knows precisely from where they came. The most plausible idea is that flamenco is the result of a mixture of influences from all the cultures and civilizations that for thousands of years ruled over this great Spanish nation.

The rhythms of the Gitanos, brought to Spain with the Roman people are felt in the background, whereas there is also a Muslim influence which is definitely part of this amazing music and dancing. However, the roots are immaterial; the most important aspect of flamenco is that it has been part of Spain’s tradition and culture since the 18th century – the pure essence of this country.

The great names in flamenco art

By far the most renowned name in flamenco is Manuel Torre. Born in 1878, his singing became legendary as he used music and song to express his innermost emotions, often sending his audience into a trance. Another great name of the art of flamenco is El Camaron, who succeeded to impress the crowds with the timbre of his voice. His early death, at just 42, was a great loss to the world of flamenco and though many have tried to copy his singing, none have been able to match his deep gypsy voice.

Paco de Lucia is the famous flamenco guitarist who brought immense joy and so touched the feelings of Spaniards that the name will never die. Flamenco is a part of Spanish tradition that attracts people from all over the world, who come to Spain with the main purpose of watching the flamenco dancers and listening to the poignant music. The present golden age that flamenco is now based on is a new generation which is trying to modernize.

In the 1970’s artists began mixing the flamenco music with blues, jazz and even rock or rap. The result is a new type of flamenco, at least as passionate as the original one. Visit this splendid country at least once in a lifetime; try to connect with everything that it comprises and you will have memories that will last forever.