Madrid, the best flamenco stage in the world
Learn why Madrid became the best place to see flamenco today.
José María Alarcón Cáceres, A café cantante, 1850
Although we all know that the origins of flamenco are to be found in the south of Spain, it is currently considered to be in the "tablaos flamencos" (flamenco stages). tablaos flamencos of the capital, Madrid, where you can see the best flamenco shows in the country. We tell you why.
The arrival of flamenco in Madrid
The history of flamenco in Madrid began in the 18th century, when this art began to gain relevance in the capital with the arrival of Andalusian immigrants. Later, in the 19th century, it became firmly established in Madrid's culture thanks to the rise of the cafés cantantes and the Flamenco Opera. Finally, between the 50's and 70's, flamenco lived a golden age with the birth in Madrid of the tablaos as a model of spectacle.
Los Tablaos
The tablaos were consolidated as great temples of flamenco throughout history for hosting the best artists of the moment. Villa Rosa, Corral de la Morería, Torres BermejasCafé de Chinitas, Corral de la Pacheca, Las Brujas, El Duende, Las Cuevas de Nemesio and Arco de Cuchilleros are some of the oldest tablaos responsible for Madrid becoming a focus of flamenco.
Some of the original tablaos have closed their doors but, today, Corral de la Morería, Corral de la Pacheca and Corral de la Pacheca keep the tradition alive, Torres Bermejas and Corral de la Pacheca keep the tradition alive together with a new generation of tablaos: La Quimera, Café Ziryab, Centro Cultural Flamenco de MadridLas Carboneras, Las tablas, Taberna Flamenca El Cortijo y Teatro Flamenco Madrid.
From national to international personalities
The birth of the tablaos naturally attracted prominent artists to the city, who decided to settle in Madrid to develop their artistic careers, and where emblematic enclaves for the learning of this discipline appeared. Las Grecas, Los del Río, Camarón, Paco de Lucía, José Menese, Enrique Morente, Lola Flores, José Mercé... All the great artists of the time were in Madrid, a national and international showcase for this genre.
Lola Flores in El Corral de la Morería
As José Blas Vega, renowned researcher of flamenco art and author of the book El flamenco en Madrid, states, Madrid was a driving force and generator of an economy around flamenco; from the recording industry, crafts, publishing and the rest of the activities associated with flamenco to its power and media influence. This is how this exotic art attracted and continues to attract an international audience ranging from Hollywood to Japan, the country with the second largest number of tablaos after Spain.
Madrid has always been and continues to be a great consumer of flamenco.
Madrid's contribution to flamenco is remarkable. Madrid offered a perfect breeding ground for flamenco to become what it is today: a great stage display, the opportunity for artists to develop, experiment and unleash their creativity, and the development of the more professional aspect of the genre.
Nowadays, every night it is possible to enjoy an authentic and quality flamenco show in the tablaos of Madrid. tablaos of Madrid which continue to offer the popular tradition of those cafés cantantes from where it all originated.
Poster of the Tablao Flamenco La Quimera