Flamenco History, Part V

The talk about flamenco renaissance began in 1922 when at the initiative of the composer Manuel de Falie and Federico Garcia Lorca there was organized in Granada a canto hondo festival (Concurso de Cante Jondo). The objective was to collect the original melodies of cante jondo, to discover new talents and to rekindle interest in this ancient art. Professionals were not allowed to participate because the main objective was to uncover examples of true folk art, to show the public the true spirit of flamenco rather than a polished performance.

An appeal went to all Spaniards not to mistake the greatest national treasure – cante jondo – for tavern singing and drinking binge, to contemplate its fate and to apply every effort for its rescue since in all of Spain there is nothing equal to it in terms of feeling, exuberance and melodiousness.

The romantic Granada was an ideal place to run the competition and after this event flamenco gradually began to be accepted as national art and similar festivals were organized in other cities, like in Seville, Cordova, Malaga, Jaene, Almeria, Murcia, and in Madrid.

In the 50th the previous epoch was subjected to particularly strong criticisms and and in the spirit and substance of the former cafe cantante there were created tablao theaters featuring stages for performances.

Tablao flamenco, Jerez, photo: © El Pantera