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Flamenco is a traditional form of dance which is practised
throughout Spain which is closely associated with gypsy
communities. In the Sacromonte area of Granada
tourists can witness and even take part in the flamboyant
dances.
The word flamenco is derived from association with flamingos.
The movements made during the dance are likened to those made
by the elegant bird.
What happens at a Flamenco dance?
Fiestas of flamenco music and dance are spontaneous affairs
which can occur any night of the week in the Sacromonte bars
where the gypsies still drink. One of the regulars takes up
his guitar and begins to play, and soon all the regulars join
in the singing and dancing. If you're visiting Granada, flamenco
dances are organised for tourists in Sacromonte. They may
not be authentic gypsy events but a least you can be sure
it'll definitely be happening!
Not many gypsies live in Sacromonte anymore. The pictureque
cave houses carved our of the rockface which they used to
inhabit have mostly been snapped up by wealthy property dealers
and the gypsy communities moved out to the suburbs. Nonetheless,
Sacromonte is still considered their home, and once a year
they all return for the Cristos de los Gitanos Festival,
the gypsy version of Semana Santa during the week leading
up to Easter. Branches of rosemary are brought into Sacromonte
from the surrounding hills and are set on the bonfires which
are lit throughout the winding streets, filling the air with
scented smoke.
What's the history of Flamenco?
Gypsy refugees entering Spain in the 15th century have been
credited with the creation of flamenco. The communities had
travelled extensively throughout India and the Middle East
and flamenco is a fusion of the different dance, folklore
and music traditions they encountered on their travels. It
symbolises an outpouring of grief and emotion at being mistreated
and downtrodden by every civilisation they have encountered.
In recent years, there's been a resurgence of interest in
traditional flamenco dance both in and outside of Spain. It's
possible to arrange classes in most European cities. |
