Història del flamenc

We all agree that flamenco, with its intensity and mystery, is much more than an art form; it is an open window into the soul of those who interpret and live it. This tradition, born in Andalusia, has found a perfect stage in Barcelona to shine and connect with both national and international audiences.

Below, we will travel through the years to delve into the roots of flamenco. So, if you are ready to discover all that this art can offer, join us on this magical journey to the heart of flamenco.

Enter the world of flamenco

Flamenco is one of the most passionate and profound artistic expressions in existence. This integral art form, born in southern Spain, combines three essential pillars: singing, dancing, and playing (music performed mainly with the guitar). But flamenco is much more than a musical style or a dance; it is a universal language of emotions and a unique reflection of Spanish history and culture.

In 2010, UNESCO recognized it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a distinction that highlights its relevance not only as a cultural legacy of Andalusia and Spain but also as a treasure of humanity. Today, venues like El Duende by Tablao Cordobés keep this tradition alive, connecting audiences with the authentic essence of flamenco.

The origins of flamenco: multicultural roots

Flamenco emerged in Andalusia, a region that for centuries was a melting pot of cultures. Its origins date back to the confluence of Arab, Jewish, Gypsy, and Christian influences that coexisted in the southern Iberian Peninsula. This cultural diversity became fertile ground for the birth of an artistic expression as complex as it is emotional.

• Gypsy Influence: The Gypsies, who arrived in Spain in the 15th century, brought with them intense music full of passion and emotion. Their oral culture and itinerant lifestyle played a fundamental role in the formation of flamenco.

• Arab Influence: The Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula left an indelible legacy in Andalusian music. Melodic scales, hypnotic rhythms, and the use of instruments like the guitar have roots in this tradition.

• Jewish and Moorish Influence: Sephardic melodies and chants from the Moors contributed to flamenco's distinctive melancholic and spiritual tone.

Flamenco is, therefore, the result of a rich blend of cultures and a historical context marked by coexistence and struggle. This "art of minorities" found in the voice, body, and guitar a way to express joys, sorrows, struggles, and hopes.

The evolution of flamenco throughout history

18th and 19th Centuries: The Birth of Flamenco

During the 18th and 19th centuries, flamenco began to define itself as an art rooted in Andalusian popular culture. This period was vital for the creation of the first "palos" (styles) of flamenco singing and dancing.
Singing cafes, which emerged in the mid-19th century, provided the first professional stages for flamenco. Cities like Seville, Cádiz, and Jerez became cultural hubs where local artists showcased their talents.

20th century: The golden age and globalization of flamenco

The 20th century marked a period of consolidation and expansion for flamenco. Iconic figures like Camarón de la Isla (singing), Antonio Gades (dancing), and Paco de Lucía (guitar) elevated flamenco to a universal artistic level, bringing it to international stages. The influence of literature and poetry, especially the works of Federico García Lorca, helped spread concepts like duende, the magical spirit of flamenco.

Flamenco today

In the 21st century, flamenco remains alive and ever-evolving. New generations of artists have fused flamenco with other musical genres like jazz, pop, and electronic music while preserving its essence. Spain, and especially Barcelona, have become key locations where this art is celebrated and preserved. Tablaos like El Duende by Tablao Cordobés are essential venues where both established and emerging artists share the stage, keeping the historical essence of flamenco alive.

The essence of flamenco: tradition, evolution, and passion

At its core, flamenco is a dialogue between the body, music, and emotion—a form of art that constantly evolves but never loses its roots. Over the centuries, it has retained its unique ability to connect artists and spectators through a non-verbal language filled with nuances and subtleties.

Types of flamenco dance: movements full of meaning

Flamenco dance is distinguished by its intensity and expressiveness. Each flamenco palo has a unique identity that shapes its movements. For example, the powerful steps of zapateado contrast with the elegance of hand gestures capable of conveying deep emotions. There are solemn styles like the soleá and others brimming with vitality and rhythm, such as bulerías. Each style offers a completely different experience for both artists and the audience.

In the past, flamenco dances were less structured, with more intuitive and personal movements created through improvisation. Today, while the soul of the dance remains present, choreography has been refined, resulting in performances of remarkable technical precision without losing the unique emotional connection.

Flamenco traditions: A blend of intimacy and theater

Originally, flamenco was experienced in family gatherings, community events, and festivals, where singing, playing, and dancing emerged spontaneously as forms of expression. There were no large stages or fixed structures, and flamenco was primarily passed down orally from one generation to the next.

Over time, this intimate tradition evolved into a more theatrical form, driven by the professionalization of the art in venues such as singing cafes. Today, this transformation has allowed flamenco to reach global audiences while preserving its authenticity and adapting to modern times and audiences.

Flamenco in constant evolution

What makes flamenco unique is its ability to adapt. Despite its roots in tradition, it is an art form unafraid of incorporating new influences and perspectives. From its origin, flamenco has evolved from being a communal expression to becoming a globally recognized spectacle. Today, flamenco explores new forms of interpretation, blending respect for tradition with a contemporary approach, ensuring its relevance in the world of performance art.

Flamenco's Duende: A blend of emotion and soul

Duende is one of the most profound and mysterious concepts in flamenco. According to Federico García Lorca, duende is an inexplicable force—a mix of passion, pain, and creativity that arises when an artist fully surrenders to their art.

In every flamenco performance, duende creates a visceral connection between the artist and the audience. It is that emotion that gives you goosebumps, elevating flamenco from a mere spectacle to a magical, spiritual experience. At El Duende by Tablao Cordobés, we take pride in embodying this concept in our name and essence, enabling every spectator to experience flamenco in its purest form.

Flamenco in Barcelona and the importance of tablaos

Although flamenco was born in Andalusia, it has found a second home in Barcelona. Since the 20th century, this cosmopolitan city has been a meeting point where flamenco has been preserved and spread, thanks to venues like tablaos.

Tablaos are intimate spaces where audiences can experience flamenco up close. In these venues, flamenco artists, whether renowned figures or emerging talents, give their all, creating unique and unrepeatable moments.

On Las Ramblas, one of Barcelona’s most iconic locations, you will find El Duende by Tablao Cordobés. This tablao embodies the definition given above. With an intimate capacity for 120 people, El Duende allows attendees not only to witness the best flamenco in Barcelona but also to feel and live it.

The history of las Ramblas and Its connection to El Duende

Las Ramblas in Barcelona is much more than an iconic promenade; it represents the cultural heartbeat of a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Originally a marketplace avenue, it has evolved into one of Europe’s most popular destinations. This emblematic location has witnessed the passage of time and countless artistic expressions.

At the heart of this historic avenue is El Duende by Tablao Cordobés, a space that, like Las Ramblas, breathes history and art. The location of our tablao is no coincidence: its surroundings enhance the connection between flamenco tradition and Barcelona’s dynamic energy. A visit to El Duende is not just an immersion in the most authentic flamenco but also a way to experience the essence of flamenco on Las Ramblas and its cultural legacy.

Flamenco as a living cultural heritage

Flamenco is a living cultural heritage that constantly reinvents itself. New generations of dancers, guitarists, and singers bring their creativity and vision, blending flamenco with other disciplines without losing its essence.

El Duende by Tablao Cordobés plays a crucial role in this preservation, supporting new talents and offering a space where flamenco continues to grow and evolve.

The history of El Duende by Tablao Cordobés

Founded by Grupo Cordobés in 1970, El Duende by Tablao Cordobés is a reference point in the world of flamenco. Conceived as an intimate space where art is experienced firsthand, this venue has become a meeting point between tradition, modernity, and nighttime dynamism.

Throughout its history, El Duende has witnessed unforgettable performances by established figures and has served as a platform for young talents to showcase their art. In this space, flamenco is presented in its purest and most thrilling form, always preserving the essence of the art.

Why is flamenco more than an art?

Flamenco is not just a show; it is a way of life and a means of expressing the deepest aspects of the human soul. It is a cry for freedom, a refuge for the marginalized, and a tribute to the history and culture of Spain.

Venues like Tablao Flamenco Cordobés or its younger venue, El Duende, ensure that this tradition remains alive, allowing current and future generations to discover and experience the magic of flamenco.

Book your place at El Duende and be part of flamenco’s history

Booking at El Duende is not just about securing a seat; it’s about guaranteeing your place in the living history of flamenco. Unlike other venues, El Duende brings together artists who have dedicated their lives to mastering this art, connecting you with the authentic spirit of flamenco.

Additionally, our tablao respects and preserves the essence of traditional flamenco, allowing you to experience that “duende” Federico García Lorca spoke of.

If you’ve ever wondered what to do in Barcelona at night, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a magical evening at one of the city’s most iconic tablaos. El Duende is the perfect place to not only discover the history of flamenco but also to become a part of it. Book now and get ready to feel flamenco like never before!