Flamenco in Spain

Flamenco is a style of music which is considered part of the culture of Spain, but is actually native to only one region: Andalusia. It is believed to have grown out of the fusion of Arabic, Andalusian, Sephardic, and Gypsy cultures prior to and after the Reconquest. It is also applied to the dance style performed to flamenco music. The origins of the term are unclear – the word Flamenco is not recorded until the 19th century.

Flamenco music exists in three forms: Cante, the song, Baile, the dance, and Guitarra, guitar playing. The source of Flamenco, however, lies in the tradition of singing. The singers role is very important with the guitar playing an accompaniment to the song. Today the solo guitar flamenco has developed into a separate art and is fashionably blended with jazz, blues and pop music.

Every song tells a story ranging from love to history and politics. It is considered to be Spains folklore music and combines music with dance, movement, feeling and meaningful song. The Flamenco that tourists are presented with in the coastal haunts is far from the true form of Flamenco with deep history, but at the very least its fun. its a lively presentation of beautiful music and dance in wonderful costumes.

Castanets are not part of true flamenco, they are an element that has been added to enhance the finger snapping.

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